Categories Charles II aka The Last King: The Power and Passion of Charles II Print Media Reviews

Mini Series Review in 2019 – Charles II: The Power and the Passion (2003)

A Compelling Political Soap Opera

by Brittany | Silver Petticoat Review | November 23, 2019

ABOUT KING CHARLES II

England’s King Charles II occupied the throne during a fascinating time in the nation’s history. During the English Civil War and Oliver Cromwell’s rule, his father was beheaded, and Charles was exiled.

After Cromwell’s death, Charles II returned to England as its’ king. Charles II reversed many of the rules implemented by Cromwell’s government. He also continued his father’s battle with the English Parliament. The years of his reign are known as The Restoration. Charles II: The Power and the Passion presents a portrait of this multi-faceted historical figure.

REVIEW

Charles II: The Power and the Passion is an apt title for this mini-series which splits its focus between Charles’ personal affairs and political battles.

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Categories Charles II aka The Last King: The Power and Passion of Charles II Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Peaky Blinders Print Media

Helen McCrory’s journey from playing a protective mother in ‘Harry Potter’ to gang matriarch in ‘Peaky Blinders’ has been phenomenal

The British actress has played a number of unconventional roles — each getting more ambitious than the previous one.

 Helen McCrory's journey from playing a protective mother in 'Harry Potter' to gang matriarch in 'Peaky Blinders' has been phenomenal

There are only a few actresses who have been able to portray a mother who commits heinous crimes while maintaining her image as the savior matriarch. Going by this record then, British actress Helen McCrory has time and again excelled in roles that proved a mother is not only committed towards the well-being of her children but can be selfish enough to disregard the affairs of the world solely for the benefit of motherhood. Her characters might not be diverse but the confined roles that she plays have been executed until the last morsel has been squeezed out of those characters.

At the moment, McCrory is best known for her role as the Shelby matriarch, Polly Grey, a gypsy woman who is able to talk to spirits but at the same time commits a murder in the cleanest possible way. Polly Grey is one of the leading women on BBC One’s ‘Peaky Blinders’ but unlike her fellow characters, Polly holds the upper hand when it comes to the Shelby family business. As the company’s treasurer, Polly decides where the money goes and what happens with it, and let’s keep in mind this is a woman who lives in the early 1910s, a time when due to World War I men were out in the battlefield and women for the first time were taking control over business.

Continue reading Helen McCrory’s journey from playing a protective mother in ‘Harry Potter’ to gang matriarch in ‘Peaky Blinders’ has been phenomenal

Categories Charles II aka The Last King: The Power and Passion of Charles II Print Media

Charles II: The Power & the Passion Review

Sexual Politics and Gorgeous Costumes

by Charity Bishop | Charity’s Place | November 16, 2003

This film is more about sexual politics than anything else. The costuming is gorgeous, but the script falls short. It fails to set up conclusive history for the characters, so anyone unfamiliar with Charles II won’t be able to follow it.

In the 1600s, Parliament overthrows and beheads the king. His son Charles (Rufus Sewell) and those loyal to the crown, including his mother (Diana Rigg) and best friend George Villiers (Rupert Graves) have fled to France, where they remain in exile, plotting their return to power. Through various political maneuverings George returns to England. The government imprisons him. Not long thereafter, the government invites Charles to return to claim the throne, since the common people are rebelling in the lack of a monarchy. Parliament fears losing control and thus will accept the lesser of two evils.

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