The Last King

"The Last King" showcases the often-disputed kingship of Charles the Second. This movie is made with the introspection and lyricism found on the stage while bringing to that the professional look and feel of the big screen. But most impressively, this A&E production is fair to the universe of difficulty in deciphering Charles II. He was a difficult person to comprehend, as we all are. And to determine what to put to film can prove a tough task. Often, it is too easy for filmmakers when trying to organize a cohesive representation of a large figure (i.e., Charles II, Napoleon, Joan of Arc) to rely on one point-of-view, to romanticize or to take complete liberty in order to make a life understandable. This film, on the other hand, shows its audience a Charles that is both sex-crazed and loving, patient yet quick to anger, lazy in some politics, yet highly motivated in others, selfish, yet selfless, and overall a sort of complicated man. The acting is superb from everyone, as many reviewers have already noted. Rufus Sewell is absolutely brilliant as Charles II, Helen McCrory turns Barbara Villiers, the Countess of Castlemaine and mistress to Charles II, into a wonder. And you can't help fall in love with the queen, Catherine of Braganza, played by Shirley Henderson. Her religious devotion (which in lesser hands would have been turned into a quaint trait.) is actually admired by watching this film. Too often films that have religion as a major underpinning rely on standardized cliches.) But this movie does not. It is as difficult as the story must be while keeping it comprehensible. One reviewer claimed that you must read about Charles II before watching the movie. I disagree. Though the movie can be enhanced by knowing just a simple bit about him, (http://www.britannia.com/history/monarchs/mon49.html) you don't need a primer. It is easy to follow. This movie does justice to what is often exceedingly difficult: Trying to get to the essence of a man. It does as fine a job as any other of the great pieces that tried to do the same before it, "Gandhi", "Lawrence of Arabia", "Nixon", and "The Passion of Joan of Arc." It sounds like an exaggeration, but it is not. This is a fine film, worth the 3 hours and 10 minutes of viewing. I wished it were longer, and perhaps moved into the politics that preceeded the death of Charles II's father. Plus -- for those of you that buy the DVD -- there is a scene where Charles comes out in all his royalty to address Parliament. It is truly stunning. More stunning than watching Elizabeth addressing the lords in the movie "Elizabeth." Sure, there are things that the movie cuts out and does not address, but I believe they did a good job in hitting the main points.

There is a reason why the 16th and 17th centuries will always remain a popular choice as a subject of TV and film dramas. With its topics relating to the rights of royal succession, familial conflicts, religious strife, morality, greed and a monarchy-in-chaos (and the occasional bodice ripping), these stories will always whet the appetite of viewers.

"The Last King" is no exception. Like the stories based on Henry VIII and his wives, Elizabeth I and Marie Antoinette, the story of King Charles II of England is filled with high drama and conflict that provides ample entertainment to viewers. For the sake of oversimplifying, I would liken it to a cross between the film "Elizabeth" (starring Cate Blanchett) and the TV miniseries "Tom Jones" (starring Max Beesley).

When the story begins we find Charles in dire straits - he is in exile from his home country; his father, Charles I, has been murdered; and Oliver Cromwell now 'governs' England. Upon the death of Cromwell, Charles is invited back to rule England where he finds his country torn apart between Catholics and Protestants. Throughout his rule, Charles II earned a reputation as the 'merry monarch' - a man who loves art and music and counts gambling and women among his vices. He collects many mistresses throughout his lifetime - most notably Barbara Villiers (Helen McCrory) and the actress Nell Gwynn (Emma Pierson) - and has a childless marriage with the Portuguese princess Catherine de Braganza (Shirley Henderson). While he remains Protestant, his wife is Catholic and his younger brother (and heir) James converts to Catholicism, which only fuels the fire with the predominantly Protestant Parliament.

This topnotch production was co-produced by the BBC and A&E - the fine folks who brought us "Pride and Prejudice," "Tess of the D'Urbervilles," "Tom Jones" and "Emma" (starring Kate Beckinsale). The production values, locations, costumes and casting are all excellent. One of the main successes of this series, however, is the fine acting of Rufus Sewell (in the title role), Shirley Henderson, Rupert Graves (George, Duke of Buckingham), Helen McCrory and the supporting cast. Since his early role as the brooding Will Ladislaw in BBC's "Middlemarch" to his funny turn as the hunky Seth Starkadder in "Cold Comfort Farm" and his malevolent portrayal of Agamemnon in "Helen of Troy," Rufus Sewell has proven himself to be one of Britain's most versatile actors. He does a superb job in portraying Charles as a charismatic and sympathetic yet deeply flawed and conflicted monarch. Also, what sets "The Last King" apart from other historical-based dramas is how it successfully juggles the seriousness of the issues of the time and yet remains entertaining and even (at times) lighthearted. There are moments of heavy drama but - as Charles romps about his court and/or seduces his latest mistress - also moments of 'cheekiness' and humor.

I thoroughly enjoyed this mini-series, which was shown in a full 4-hour stretch (including ads) in the US on A&E Network. Fans of this time period may also want to check out "Lorna Doone" (starring Amelia Warner and Richard Coyle), an excellent British drama based on R.D. Blackmore's novel, which deal mainly on events following the death of Charles II. If you are an anglophile, a fan of historical based films and particularly if you admire Rufus Sewell or Rupert Graves ("Forsyte Saga," "A Room With A View," "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall") then you will certainly enjoy "The Last King."

This film (T.V. program) is fabulous (and I don't use the "F" word lightly). The production is wonderful as are the sets and recreation of the era. MOST OF ALL the actors are superb! However, the true stand out, as far as acting is concerned, is Diana Rigg--when she is on the screen all others are simply blown off of the screen! That is some accomplishment since she is surrounded by great actors that are really into their roles.
This production is a treasure. Buy it!