Kings and Queens
The twelve episodes of this BBC series cover a millennium of English monarchy and portray lives of twelve important English monarchs and how each of them impacted the history: William the Conqueror, Henry II, Edward I, Henry V , Richard III, Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, Charles I, Charles II, George III, Victoria, and to the present Queen Elizabeth II. Each 23-minute episode is filmed on location, with historian Nigel Spivey providing the narration describing bloodshed, lust and political intrigue. Actors provide mute dramatization.
Insights
Plot Summary
A man, who is a former Australian rules footballer, returns to his hometown to find his family in disarray. His sister is about to marry a man he despises, his parents are at each other's throats, and his childhood sweetheart is now engaged to his best friend. He must confront his past and try to mend his fractured family before the wedding.
Critical Reception
The film received mixed reviews from critics, with many praising the performances of the lead actors, particularly Geoffrey Rush. However, some critics found the plot to be predictable and the humor to be hit-or-miss.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its strong performances, especially from Geoffrey Rush.
- Criticized for a somewhat predictable storyline.
- Appreciated for its heartfelt moments amidst the family drama.
Google audience: Audiences generally enjoyed the film, finding it to be a heartwarming if somewhat familiar story with good acting. Some viewers felt the comedic elements could have been stronger, but the emotional core resonated well.
Fun Fact
The film was originally intended to be a much darker drama before P.J. Hogan was brought in to lighten the tone and inject more comedy.
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