To Kill a King
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Corin Redgrave, Jessica Hazel, John-Paul Macleod, Melissa Knatchbull, Tim RothDirector: n/a
Brand: STARZ HOME ENTERTAINMENT
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: Color, DVD-Video, NTSC, Widescreen
Picture Format: 2.35:1
Running Time: 102 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2008-02-26
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: ANCHOR BAY
Movie Reviews of To Kill a King
Movie Review: Before there was the French Revolution, England had her own reform
Summary: 4 Stars
It is rarely emphasized that almost 150 years before French Revolution in Paris, there was a revolution in England. I always thought (wrongly) that Charles I was executed for his catholic beliefs but this film has clarified that issue much better for me. In 1640s England has an absolute ruler, citizens were king's subjects with limited liberty and personal rights, power was corrupt. Britain was politically divided and most felt that the only way to bring the change for the country was by raising civil war. Reformist win the revolution and before long, Oliver Cromwell assumes power as a Protector of Land. His close friend Lord Fairfax suddently realizes that Cromwell is more interested in gaining power that bringing reforms and laws in place. Lord Fairfax's wife Anne is devout to King and her quiet beauty and cleverness is used by all around Fairfax in order to change balance of power. I was mesmerized by Rupert Everett's portrayal of King Charles I who is so determined to exercise his right as a ruler that no imprisonment can bend his will. He cultivates his personal strenght by being involved in political intrigues, brokering deals and having Lady Fairfax make him company by singing and reading with him.
This is a beautiful costume drama, touching up on the important part of the British history that focuses less on battleship spectacles and more on political manipulation of power. Tim Roth also gives amazing portrayal of Oliver Cromwell. But most of all it is great to watch Cromwell and Fairfax who after being inseparable friends fall apart forever. The ambition that bound them together also pulled them apart. In spite all of that they still loved each other deeply.
Summary of To Kill a King
1645: After years of civil war, King Charles I is overthrown and two heroes have emerged Lord General Thomas Fairfax and his best friend and deputy General Oliver Cromwell. Their friendship isthreatened when Fairfax and his wife conspire to return the King to power, and Cromwell instead orders his execution, seizing control. His armies spread violence and fear throughout the country, and
Fairfax realizes Cromwell must be stopped, and their
bond as two comrades-at-arms irreparably broken.
In Mike Barker's version of British history, Thomas Fairfax (Mission Impossible II's Dougray Scott) represents reason, while Oliver Cromwell (Tim Roth, taking on a role previously assumed by Richard Harris) embodies reform. As the lieutenant-general, who makes up in conviction what he lacks in charisma, declares, "Tom is our emblem. We are brutes without him." He could easily be referring to himself, since Cromwell would turn out to be one of England's more brutal reformers. Barker picks up their story in 1645 during the height of civil war. At the time, King Charles I (Rupert Everett, in fine fettle despite a few unfortunate ensembles) holds a tenuous grasp on the throne. Parliamentarians Fairfax and Cromwell enjoy cordial relations; though the latter's increasing fanaticism bodes poorly for the future. Further, the lord general's wife, Lady Fairfax (Rushmore's Olivia Williams), sympathizes with the king, putting her husband in an awkward position. In the end, Cromwell will decide the fate of the Crown, but many lives might have been spared if Parliament had heeded Fairfax's calls for leniency. Plagued by budgetary problems, Barker was forced to halt production on the film twice (the project was saved largely by actor/producer Scott, who paid crew members out of his own pocket). Consequently, the director opted to emphasize political intrigue over battlefield heroics. Though less satisfying than his underrated Oscar Wilde adaptation A Good Woman, To Kill a King (formerly Cromwell and Fairfax) features convincing performances and raises timely questions about the qualifications for leadership. --Kathleen C. Fennessy
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