Restoration

"Restoration" depicts a period in English history characterised by general licentiousness and extravagance. After the fall from power of the Puritans and Cromwell, Charles II was crowned in 1660. This marked the beginning of a new era. The film is as much a portrait of England in the 1660s as a story about its protagonist, the young doctor Merivel. The consequence is that I certainly enjoyed the roller-coaster ride through the film's baroque and lavish world, but found it hard to identify fully with Robert Downey, Jr.'s character.

The gifted physician benefits from the new times, for when the king hears of his abilities he is summoned to court, where a life of luxury awaits him. Merivel does not have enough character to insist on using his abilities, so instead he becomes the unofficial court jester. When the king wants one of his mistresses married pro forma, Merivel is an easy victim. He is knighted and given a country estate and a wife whom he is forbidden to love. It is then that Merivel falls in love for the first time in his life, which naturally has consequences for his existence.

The story tells of Merivel's ups and downs in an England full of contrasts, which gradually teaches the oaf a thing or two. He learns to take responsibility, not least when he meets the poor and strange Katherine, with whom he has a daughter. By the end of the film everyone has grown wiser.