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IMDb > "Charles II: The Power & the Passion" (2003)

"Charles II: The Power & the Passion" (2003) More at IMDbPro »TV mini-series

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Overview

User Rating:
7.6/10   656 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 5% in popularity this week. See rank & trends on IMDbPro.
Director:
Joe Wright
Writer:
Adrian Hodges (writer)
Contact:
View company contact information for The Last King on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
21 March 2004 (USA) more
Genre:
Drama more
Plot:
The chronicle of Charles II's time on the throne, his 10 year exile from Oliver Cromwell's England, and his triumphant return. full summary
Awards:
Nominated for Primetime Emmy. Another 4 wins & 9 nominations more
User Comments:
Superb BBC period drama more

Cast

  (Series Cast overview, first billed only)
Martin Turner ... Charles I

Rufus Sewell ... King Charles II

Ian McDiarmid ... Sir Edward Hyde
Rupert Graves ... George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham
Michael Pober ... Tutor
Ryan Nelson ... Young Monmouth
Diana Rigg ... Queen Henrietta Maria

Sean Biggerstaff ... Henry, Duke of Gloucester
Helen McCrory ... Barbara Villiers, Countess of Castlemaine

Richard Rowlands ... Sir Roger Palmer
Charlie Creed-Miles ... James, Duke of York
Peter Wight ... Ormonde

Garry Cooper ... General Monck

Martin Freeman ... Lord Shaftesbury
Joel Sugerman ... Antwerp Servant
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Additional Details

Also Known As:
"Charles II" (UK) (short title)
"Charles II: The Power and the Passion" (UK) (DVD title)
"The Last King" (USA)
"The Last King: The Power and the Passion of Charles II" (USA) (DVD title)
more
Runtime:
235 min | USA:188 min
Country:
UK
Language:
Portuguese | English
Color:
Color
Aspect Ratio:
1.78 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Stereo

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Shirley Henderson's elaborate hairstyle for Catherine's arrival initially took two hours to create. more
Quotes:
Nell Gwynn: I belong to the king. Not just because he bought me, but because I choose it. And as long as he wants me, I'll be his, and his alone. And you know what? I do love him. He's kind and decent, and he'll look after me. How's that for a transaction?
George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham: I've seen many a lady turn into a whore, but I've never seen a whore make such a fine lady.
more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in The Making of 'Charles II' (2003) (TV) more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
13 out of 15 people found the following comment useful:-
Superb BBC period drama, 9 December 2003
Author: Frankbill from London, England

Not too sure what the previous reviewer was watching.

Apart from the mildly irritating liberties the writer took with historical accuracy here and there, this is one of the best historical series I've seen for a long time and kept me intrigued for all four episodes. Perhaps the approach was too subtle for some, we had one or two small bits of gore, you could say just enough to convey the brutality of the era.

This however was more about the contradictory elements of Charles's character and how he chose to deal with the constant political threats he lived through which could have swallowed him up at any time. His compassion, tolerance,lust, his fine political judgement, his mixed feelings as he tried to stabilize his country, promote religious tolerance, resist parliament, balance the books and have a good time when he could. The principal players dance around him but do they control him or is he carefully playing them off? It is not about battles, blood or explosive action. It is nevertheless tense and dynamic as friendships, loyalties and political passions spark off each other.

And then, we have Rufus Sewell, seldom has more skilled and effective portrayal of an historical figure been offered. He burns, he frets, he soothes, he controls, he accedes. He acting of great loyalty against all pressures to some and abandonment of allies for political expediency with others, is performed with equally high credibility. He has more character in a few facial movements than many actors could deliver in a hundred lines. A complete and consummate character performance and assimilation of Charles II's persona. The other cast do not fail to provide full but studied portrayals to complete the drama.

The thoughtful mix of setting, inside and out and usual top quality costume etc do not let the production fall below the highest standards. Yet there is no over the top kitch clichéd stuff that many period dramas throw in.

Watch out for any award for Rufus Sewell.

A huge success.

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