The Last King (DVD, 2004)

The A&E version of the "Last King" is an edited version of "Charles II: The power and passion" that was shown on BBC TV. A&E broadcast a 188 minute version which was an edited presentation of the 233 minute BBC TV presentation. The DVD made for Region 1 (USA) players was based on the A&E "watered down" version of the series. If you wish to see the entire series without editing, you will need the Region 2 (UK) version that requires either a non-region DVD player or a PC (most computer video programs ignore region coding). Region 2 DVDs of this program are sold by the international sellers (you can find them by going to the United Kingdom merchant site link on Ebay). My rating is based on the editing of this version and is not related to the miniseries content. Be aware, that the BBC DVD version does contain some nudity, so it may be inappropriate for younger viewing audiences.

I have been to England and seen several castles while serving in the USAF, I am an avid history buff and have read many books on famous Kings and Queens, one of my all time favorites was Charles II, I never understood why he stuck by his queen except possibly for their friendship and to tell parliament to kiss his royal butt. But I liked the fact that he tried to allow people to have religious freedom during his reign and to be able to worship god in their own way. I didn't care for the Duke of Buckingham, I think he was jealous of Charles. Barbara Castlemaine was a nasty witch, what Charles saw in her was beyond my comprehension. I really like the acotr Rufus Sewell, and he did a great job portraying Charles II.

I enjoy historical books that get into the details in the daily lives of famous people. England's Charles II in this case, played by Rufus Sewell from television's "Eleventh Hour." While not to detailed, for me it was just right. If you like "The Tudors" you should like this film.