The Tudors

Star Review

You’ll know the story already, of course. Lusty Henry VIII wants to divorce Catherine of Aragon so he can marry Anne Boleyn. Cardinal Wolsey has to square it with a reluctant pope while voice-of-conscience Sir Thomas More grows more disheartened at the regal shenanigans.

So far, so history A-Level. But this version of the story – made for the American Showtime network – rips up the text books to delivers a version high on sex and intrigue.

Jonathan Rhys Myers as Henry is a world away from the tubby old tyrant we’re so familiar with from the Holbein paintings. This Henry is a lean, athletic monarch with a roving eye. Purists should note that strict historical accuracy is not the order of the day: indeed, The Tudors is only slightly more accurate than Carry on Henry.

Those who want an accurate depiction of Tudor England are advised to go to the library instead. But no history book can match The Tudors for roaring entertainment, lavish design and high-stakes plotting. It’s a show fit for a king.

Barney Kelley on 30th October 2007

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Film Description

Jonathan Rhys Meyers stars as the (unfamiliarly thin) monarch and serial monogamist, King Henry VIII in this lavish BBC/American Showtime Network miniseries, high on sex and intrigue. Purists should note that strict historical accuracy is not the order of the day, the emphasis instead is on roaring entertainment, sexual shenanigans and high-stakes plotting.

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DVD Extras

• 3 discs.

Film Details

Cast

Sam Neill, Jeremy Northam, Jonathan Rhys Meyers

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