To Kill a King (2003)

English Civil War events were not very familiar to me, and there are not too many films about it (I remember seeing panoramic Cromwell (1970) some decades ago). The times were hectic, ideas were exuberant, but real life and people's absorption of them was rather shabby. To Kill a King focuses on the relationship between MP / Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell and Sir/General Thomas Fairfax in the post-war period from 1648 until the former's death, in 1658.Although Tim Roth is a fine actor and Dougray Scott seems good actor as well, I felt no profound contradiction or complexity between them; well, their approaches and motives were reasoned, but their depiction was somewhat perfunctory, via uneven course of events, mostly taking place indoors (many exterior or nature scenes provide more faithfulness). Rupert Everett as King Charles I was too reserved as well, female characters and performance were quite uninviting. I felt myself constantly watching a historical half-documentary that could have been helpful before respective exam :) Thus, more thank okay film, but no conceptional work for me... Of I have been spoiled by powerful war and costume dramas...

The film centers about Olivier Cromwell (Tim Roth) and Thomas Fairfaix (Dougray Scott). This interesting picture results to be a recounting of the relationship between General Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell, as they try to cope with the consequences of deposing King Charles I . As Cromwell took over Parliament and taking on king Charles I (Rupert Everett). Then were created two factions : the Roundheads (Cromwell's congressmen) and Cavaliers or Royalists (King's nobility) , both sides had generals of considerable skill and undaunted courage as Thomas Farfaix . Cromwell defeated royal army in battles of Moor , Preston and Naseby (1645). Later on , in 1653 , he was named Lord protector of "Commomwealth" Republic . He imposed a dictatorship ruled by puritans and vanquished the Irish and Scottish army . He also fights against Holland and Spain . Cromwell developed a law of navigation for the British navy . He early died by fevers's illness . Richard Cromwell succeeded his father as President but he was rapidly dismissed .A general of the Republic army and professional soldier named Thomas Farfaix commands the troops as Parliamentary commander-in-chief . His misunderstanding with Cromwell originates his desertion . Duration Republic was since 1648 to 1660 . Charles II went back to British kingdom and the regicides (those who had condemned Charles I to death) were arrested and hanged , drawn and quartered at Charing Cross . The Cromwell's body was disinterred , and his remains were hung from a scaffold.The main cast formed by Tim Roth , Dougray Scott , Rupert Everett and Olivia Williams as Lady Farfaix give excellent performances in this historic tale . The movie is very atmospheric with a first rate set design and splendid scenarios . Good direction by Mike Barber , colorful cinematography and evocative musical score . The motion picture will appeal to history's buffs. Rating : 6,5 / 10 . Better than average .

I read a review of the movie to the effect that it wasn't historically accurate and it had a comment (the writer must have known it was coming...) that some would argue that it was only a film (thus artistic license was sure to be taken). What that viewer failed to see was that this film was spot on where it truly mattered - that both sides (Charles I and Cromwell) were equally and totally convinced of their 'mandate from God'.The result for Charles was that his inability to concede any power cost him his life, the cost for Cromwell was that his 'Republic' lasted only two years after his death (although some of his decisions are still felt now especially in Ulster.) So, if what you need is for Cromwell to have a broad West Country accent, don't go...if you enjoy films that have some intellectual depth to them, then I'd recommend it.

Apparently the filmmakers didn't even have time for the Cliff's Notes version of the English Civil War. Last time I checked, Oliver Cromwell was regarded even by his enemies as one of the foremost military minds in history. The New Model Army was his baby. And a biggot? The man welcomed the Jewish faith and open practice thereof back to England, for God's sake. As for comparing these events to the French Revolution/Reign of Terror, the FACT of the matter is that it was essentially the American Revolution...just a little ahead of it's time. (Something, no doubt, the Brits simply cannot contemplate.) Sad, silly, revisionist stuff.