An aspiring young physician, Robert Merivel found himself in the service of King Charles II and saves the life of someone close to the King. Merivel joins the King's court and lives the high life provided to someone of his position. Merivel is ordered to marry his King's mistress in order to divert the queens suspicions. He is given one order by the king and that is not to fall in love. The situation worsens when Merivel finds himself in love with his new wife. Eventually, the King finds out and relieves Merivel of his position and wealth. His fall from grace leaves Merivel where he first started. And through his travels and reunions with an old friend, he rediscovers his love for true medicine and what it really means to be a physician.
Production
Every frame drips with 17th-century excess—costumes and sets are *insane*.
Acting
Downey Jr. at his most vulnerable pre-Iron Man.
Cinematography
Candlelit revelry gives way to grim, muddy reality.
Director
Michael Hoffman
Robert Downey Jr.
Robert Merivel
Meg Ryan
Katharine
Sam Neill
King Charles II
David Thewlis
John Pearce
Hugh Grant
Elias Finn
Polly Walker
Celia Clemence
Ian McKellen
Will Gates
Ian McDiarmid
Ambrose
Willie Ross
Man with Visible Heart
Benjamin Whitrow
Merivel's Father
Roger Ashton-Griffiths
Mr. Bung
Andrew Havill
Gallant
Tony Gardner
Gallant
David Ryall
Lord Bathurst
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Sam Neill had already played Charles II in two other productions—he was basically the king's official portrayer by 1995.
The film adapts Rose Tremain's novel, which won the Booker Prize; the movie softens Merivel's darker edges significantly.
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