My husband often begs me to watch these "really good movies" that leave me wondering why I didn't clean the toilets instead. After being subjected to Masterpieces such as "Matrix" or "The Mummy" (no offense to fans out there) I have learned to find excuses not to watch his recommendations. However, last night I could not get out of it. He begged me to watch "Cromwell", assuring me that I would love this film. He promised me this one was accurate, as I did throw a big fit over Braveheart that lasted about a month. I am glad I listened, and gave it a chance.

The 1970 historical epic "Cromwell", directed by Ken Hughes, gives an interesting and mostly factual look at the English Civil War. Richard Harris stars as Oliver Cromwell, a military leader focused on preserving the freedom and religion of the English people. Complimented by an outstanding performance by Sir Alec Guiness as King Charles I, the film was most pleasing for this fan of English history.

The movie illustrates the conflict between the English People, Parliament, and the Crown. When the king disolves Parliament, England erupts in civil war and the people form an army to challenge the king (the Roundheads). Cromwell trains and commands these soldiers (after the forced resignation of less adequate lords) and leads them from battle to battle on a mission to claim England for the people. This part of the film, while mostly accurate, has a few flaws. For instance, at the battle at Naseby the movie depicts Cromwell's army of 3,000 against 7,000 royalist men led by Prince Rupert (Timothy Dalton), the kings cousin. Historically, Cromwell had a clear majority in this battle. (http://battlefieldvacations.com/britain/marsto.htm)

If you are looking for love and romance, or perhaps some comic relief, this is not the film for you. Nor is this film filled with spectacular special effects. This is a straight-forward depiction of the English Civil War, and an insight into Oliver Cromwell, the man. As we watch him struggle to give the king a chance and beg other's to do the same, only to walk away with a feeling of betrayal and anger, we start to feel what Cromwell feels. We begin to understand how serious the situation really is, how dangerous the political state of England has become. The Puritan point of view illustrated several issues that were considered in the formation of the United States of America, some 120 years later, particularly the freedom of religion. Finally, the acting in this film was absolutely outstanding and I quite enjoyed the wide range of emotions I felt.

This movie is not particularly graphic, although there are battle scenes and references/dramatizations of beheadings. The language was clear and simple to understand and I did not feel overwhelmed by thick accents or subjected to predictable lines. The costumes were beautiful and the sets seemed to fit with the time period.

Most of all, I learned something. I learned a little more about the Puritan culture, the rise against (and for) Catholicism, and the political structure of England. The king used to have so much power, yet after Cromwell, it was never the same again.



Recommended:
Yes

Video Occasion: Better than Watching TV