Heroes and Villains (TV Series) Richard the Lionheart (2008) User Reviews

A good factual account by the BBC

[jimliz153 · 8/10 · 23 March 2008]

I was very happy with the BBC's adaption of Richard the Lionheart most people know the name but not what he did and to say this happened nearly 1000years ago shows the power of his name. The style of the program is a Doc/Drama which works very well its hasn't got Hollywood big budget effects but then again this was more a historical documentary drama . The last battle scene was very enjoyable if it wasn't true i would not believe it could have happened and the actor who played King Richard (Steven Waddington ) was excellent he was very convincing if you like history i would recommend you watch this program as it a very interesting tale.

solid TV docu-show

[SnoopyStyle · 8/10 · 23 October 2016]

It's 1191 Cyprus. The English King Richard the Lionheart (Steven Waddington) leads the Third Crusade on their way to the Holy Lands. He hopes to retake Jerusalem from Saladin with his twelve thousand men army. He wins a siege of Acre. He is supported by the Earl of Leicester. The Duke of Burgundy leads the French knights. Garnier de Nablus leads the Knights Hospitaller. On the way to Jaffa, they are attacked by Saladin's forces twice the size of their own but they emerge victorious. Saladin's brother Al-Adil is the second in command. Saladin faces pressures after losing the battle but he uses scorched earth tactics to drive the fearsome Richard out. On the other side, Richard must deal with competing powers in the war council. He arrives at Jerusalem unable to take it. It's a constant struggle and then news arrive about Richard facing a challenge from his brother. With Richard planning to return to England from Acre, Saladin attacks Jaffa. Richard mounts a heroic rescue resulting in an epic confrontation between the two greatest warriors of the era. It's a solid and informative hour-long docu-show of the Third Crusade. The production is well-made for a TV show. The acting is superb. Waddington gives a sincere and sensitive performance. He is joined by great performers like Stuart Wilson and Donald Sumpter. This is simply good.