England, My England

1995
2h 33m

IMDb RATING

YOUR RATING

Michael Ball in England, My England (1995)

In 1960s, a British playwright attempts to reconstruct the life of real life 17th century English composer Henry Purcell even though little is known about him. Purcell's life is reenacted an... Read allIn 1960s, a British playwright attempts to reconstruct the life of real life 17th century English composer Henry Purcell even though little is known about him. Purcell's life is reenacted and his music performed.In 1960s, a British playwright attempts to reconstruct the life of real life 17th century English composer Henry Purcell even though little is known about him. Purcell's life is reenacted and his music performed.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.0/10

200

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

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User reviews11

7.0200

Featured reviews

joe-1

Simply the best produced film on a Baroque composer

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....

margaret-3

Unusual to see Michael in this role

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".

9philipjelley

A Film Within A Play Within a Film

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.

8hammondjh-00479

A Very Absorbing Biopic of one of England's Greatest and Mosr Gifted Composers

Loved this from beginning to end! A sterling cast of British acting talent so rarely seen in films. From the start where Cromwell's grave is dug up to the sad ending of Harry's death from (possibly) tuberculosis, John Eliot Gardner's ensemble's performances and gritty realism of late 17thc London will absorb every classical music fan throughout. Oh DO look out for the gaffe where Sir a Christopher Wren is displaying plans of St.Paul's Cathedral: The plan you see on screen is from a 3 dimensional architect drawing made in 1927.

10Freddie-6

brilliant

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'

Trivia
The lines that Dryden recites ("Be judge yourself, I'll bring it to the test: / Which is the basest creature, man or beast? / Birds feed on birds, beasts on each other prey, / But savage man alone does man betray") are not by John Dryden but by his erstwhile patron the Earl of Rochester, with whom he had a bitter falling-out.

Goofs
One shot shows a stagehand turning a winch to lift Mary Tudor when she's playing Cupid. When she's being lowered, a shot shows the stagehand turning the winch in the same direction as previously.

Quotes
Tony Palmer: You know what this country has become? Once we had a church built upon a rock. Now the rock has been bulldozed and with it our faith. What we're left with is a crawling underside of expediency and dishonour beholden to Brussels wherein the crooked shall be made straight and the rough places plain. England, my England, is shuffling about like an old tramp begging for a pair of boots at the tradesmen's entrances of Europe.