The Last King
The Power and the Passion of Charles II
In the critically acclaimed tradition of Napoleon and Catherine the Great, A&E and the BBC bring to life on of history's most compelling figures - Great Britain’s King Charles II. Bursting with romance and court intrigue amidst the lavish backdrop of the Restoration Period, The Last King is a star-studded tale of passion, politics and power.
A raucous gambler known as the merry Monarch, Charles II was a probable sex addict, an impassioned lover of the arts, a ruthless political survivor, and the ruler who swept England into a new era of modernism and democracy during the 17th century. In a story almost too action-filled and entertaining to be true, The Last King captures the dramatic, lust-filled saga of King Charles II - from his youthful exile in the Netherlands to his tumultuous 25-year reign ending in a secret deathbed conversion to Catholicism.
Featuring Rufus Sewell (A Knight's Tale, Helen of Troy, Dark City), Rupert Graves (The Madness of King George, A Room With a View), and Diana Rigg (Victoria & Albert, The Avengers), this is a must-see original A&E movie presentation available on DVD for the first time
Member Reviews
Lasting Pleasure to Watch - maggiebrat
I watched this movie many years ago and was pleasantly surprised to find it again. Shirley Henderson is in the Bridget Jones series - so enjoyed something different from her. Just discovered "Rufus Sewell" fine actor who is also in "A Knight's Tale", "The Woodlanders" as well as the recent "The Illusionist". If you like British movies/history then you will enjoy this one.Oscar worthy calibar - will leave you wanting more!! - Zanma
An absolutely fantastic A&E production and if produced in the US a definite Oscar winner for Rufus Sewell. This 2 part, 3 hour movie was captivating from the moment it began and only disappointing in that it ended. It was absolutely mesmerizing watching Rufus as Charles II grow from an exiled King to the last King of England to rule without parliament. While I cannot confirm the historical accuracy this movie chose to focus on the intimate and personal life of Charles II and the influences that made him the king that he was. The entire movie was breathtaking in its scenery and in its uterly believable performances. It is not suitable for a young audience due to the sexual content. Definitely watch the "behind-the-scenes" extra on the DVD to catch extra deleted snippets and gain more insight into Charles II. This movie was apparently based on a book that I'm now going to try to find to read! I would most definitely rent and enjoy again!
Member Reviews
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Lasting Pleasure to Watch - maggiebrat
I watched this movie many years ago and was pleasantly surprised to find it again. Shirley Henderson is in the Bridget Jones series - so enjoyed something different from her. Just discovered "Rufus Sewell" fine actor who is also in "A Knight's Tale", "The ...Oscar worthy calibar - will leave you wanting more!! - Zanma
An absolutely fantastic A&E production and if produced in the US a definite Oscar winner for Rufus Sewell. This 2 part, 3 hour movie was captivating from the moment it began and only disappointing in that it ended. It was absolutely mesmerizing watching ...