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| To Kill A King [Blu-ray] | ![To Kill A King [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5102z1kIBCL._SL500_.jpg)
| Director: Mike Barker
Actors: Patricia Kerrigan, Dougray Scott, James Bolam, Steven Webb, Melissa Knatchbull
Studio: ANCHOR BAY
Category: DVD
List Price: $29.98
Buy New: $12.08
You Save: $17.90 (60%)
New (32) Collectible (1) from $12.08
Avg. Customer Rating:  48 reviews
Sales Rank: 42497
Format: Color, Widescreen
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Media: Blu-ray
Running Time: 102 minutes
Number Of Items: 1
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 6.7 x 5.3 x 0.5
MPN: ANBBRN3028
UPC: 013138302885
EAN: 0013138302885
ASIN: B0010SAGGY
Theatrical Release Date: 2003
Release Date: February 26, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: BRAND NEW AND FACTORY SEALED
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| Customer Reviews:
 Before there was the French Revolution, England had her own reform October 2, 2008
It is rarely emphasized that almost 150 years before French Revolution in Paris, there was a revolution in England. I always thought (wrongly) that Charles I was executed for his catholic beliefs but this film has clarified that issue much better for me. In 1640s England has an absolute ruler, citizens were king's subjects with limited liberty and personal rights, power was corrupt. Britain was politically divided and most felt that the only way to bring the change for the country was by raising civil war. Reformist win the revolution and before long, Oliver Cromwell assumes power as a Protector of Land. His close friend Lord Fairfax suddently realizes that Cromwell is more interested in gaining power that bringing reforms and laws in place. Lord Fairfax's wife Anne is devout to King and her quiet beauty and cleverness is used by all around Fairfax in order to change balance of power. I was mesmerized by Rupert Everett's portrayal of King Charles I who is so determined to exercise his right as a ruler that no imprisonment can bend his will. He cultivates his personal strenght by being involved in political intrigues, brokering deals and having Lady Fairfax make him company by singing and reading with him.
This is a beautiful costume drama, touching up on the important part of the British history that focuses less on battleship spectacles and more on political manipulation of power. Tim Roth also gives amazing portrayal of Oliver Cromwell. But most of all it is great to watch Cromwell and Fairfax who after being inseparable friends fall apart forever. The ambition that bound them together also pulled them apart. In spite all of that they still loved each other deeply.
 Veeerry Slooow October 1, 2008
Taking place in 1645 England, King Charles I (Rupert Everett) is in exile for not signing the new Charter. The story is about the relationship between Sir (General) Thomas Fairfax (Dougray Scott) and his underling Oliver Cromwell (Tim Roth). Fairfax's beautiful and wealthy wife, Lady Anne Fairfax (Oliva Williams) is friend to King Charles, and sides with him, attempting to sway the actions of her husband Thomas. Parliament disbands, the king escapes, the king is caught and sent to trial. You'll have to watch the movie to find out how it all ends.
I didn't much care for this movie, the pace was far too slow with too little intrigue to hold my attention. The acting was very good but the sound was bad, the actors speaking in such low volumes. There are also no subtitles available, including subtitles for the hard of hearing, so half the time I couldn't make out what they were saying. If your interested in England's civil war or the reign of King Charles I, then the movie may be worth watching. Otherwise I recommend steering clear. Rent, don't buy.
 All crowns corrupt those who wear them... October 1, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
As we in America know, Civil War extracts a harsh price. It's not just on partisans, but families and friends who are broken up over the issues of a country's governance.
The film's about the relationship between General Thomas Fairfax (Dougray Scott, who originally played in "Ever After"), Oliver Cromwell (Tim Roth) who served as his deputy. They have imprisoned King Charles 1 (Rupert Everett) until he accedes to their demands for reforms. Their goal is to 'plough the Kingdom into godly shape.'
Unfortunately, Fairfax suspects his wife, Lady Anne (Olivia Williams), of collusion with the deposed monarch. Parliament wants the King back and have voted to restore him to the palace and his duties. But, Fairfax wants to lead the army against the Parliament for plundering the palace treasures.
How well this story depicts the actual events, I cannot say. While the topic is interesting, the depiction is somewhat tiresome. If you are an Anglophile, you may still enjoy this film greatly.
Rebecca Kyle, October 2008
To Kill an Idea August 23, 2008
My copy of "To Kill a King" is flawed in that the language isn't distinct and I lost some of the drama of the film and this film is more about language than about sets and costumes. The film revolves around three major players, Oliver Cromwell, his friend, Sir Thomas Fairfax, and the King, Charles Stewart. The setting is immediately after the victory of the Parliamentary forces, led by Cromwell and General Fairfax, against the Royalist forces. The King is defeated but still the King. He refuses to compromise on important aspects of what he regards as his God-Given Authority--such as the authority to render arbitrary judgments. This, of course, sets him distinctly at odds with Cromwell. Parliament is bribed and cajoled to favor the King's position and Cromwell dissolves Parliament at the point of a gun.
By this time, Cromwell's old friend and buddy, Thomas, is getting uneasy. He has, after all, fought for the primacy of Parliament. Cromwell, realizing that his revolution is not complete until there is no King, holds a drumhead trial in which the King is convicted and condemned to die on the block. Now, Thomas is really uneasy and his squeamishness starts to affect his friendship with Cromwell.
The King is executed. Cromwell raises his hands, reddened with a King's own blood, and proclaims to the crowd, "See. His blood is red just like ours. You are your own masters now."
But England has been a monarchy for one thousand years and more. The people are uncomfortable with concepts like 'freedom' and 'republic'. They're even more uncomfortable with regicide. Cromwell, despite his elevation to 'Lord Protector' is the most hated man in England. Thomas, despite increasing dismay, sticks by the King but not for long. The friendship breaks like a rotten stick. Cromwell dies--some say by malaria--and the new English Republic dies along with him with the return of Charles II. Charles strings the bones of Cromwell up for public display. Thus with regicides.
I think this is a very good movie. I just wish I could have heard it better.
Ron Braithwaite author of novels--"Skull Rack" and "Hummingbird God"--on the Spanish Conquest of Mexico
wanted more from this film August 23, 2008
good story, average acting. The story moves a little slow and I had trouble staying interested. overall a good movie, though it nedds a bit more action.
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