England, My England

The life of the musician & court composer Henry Purcell is used to present a tongue in cheek examination of the Restoration & the Glorious Revolution. The actors in the film, led by Simon Callow as Charles II, discuss the play between scenes, but the parts they play on stage are also those that they play in the film. Very cleverly done too.

Being a bit of a Purcell fanatic, it was only happenstance that I encountered this film. Channel surfing the local cable net, I noticed a listing for the film, which I recorded.

This film brilliantly captures the essence of the man and his music (as well as the tenor of the times). The acting, a bit downplayed, works well to give the story a positive spin, despite the various tragedies in Purcell's life.

I understand that the original version has some contemporary thread running through it. The version which was run on the BRAVO network in the US eliminated this component (for some reason which goes unexplained).

Overall, this film is an overlooked masterpiece....

Although Michael Ball trained as an actor, he is best known for his leading roles in musicals such as Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera and Aspects of Love in London & Broadway. It was very unusual (and very pleasant)to see him in this different role. Although he does not sing in this movie, I enjoyed it very much. The costumes were lovely. I also enjoyed seeing Simon Callow in his role as I really enjoyed his acting in "4 weddings and funeral".

a brilliant movie,and a great idea to use the same cast in going to and fro between 17th and 20th century England.Only the Brits can make movies like this one.The music of Purcell was superb. Thank goodness that I taped it and can view it again at leisure. (PS I recognised the actress who played Purcell's wife as the one who plays the dumb Australian waitress in the series 'Pilgrims Rest'

The first time I saw the movie, after a brilliant opening, I felt somewhat disappointed to see that it was a play within a movie. The more I saw it, however, the more I appreciated the original treatment of this biography. It is, first and foremost, a beautiful movie, both for its photography, historical recreation and the great music. The contrast between the modern and historical periods made possible by the "play within a movie" treatment is actually very interesting. The character played by Simon Callow performs research on the life and times of Purcell, while commenting on our own times. John Elliot Gardiner conducts the baroque orchestra and singers with energy, and the result is first class. I saw and recorded this movie on videotape in the 1990's, and the tape is wearing thin. I am delighted this jewel has finally been released on DVD in 2007.