Ken Hughes's 'Cromwell', a few anachronisms aside, is surprisingly faithful to the actual history of England; for a British film made before the advent of CGI, the battle scenes are also quite impressive, although the intrusive soundtrack feels very dated. Richard Harris plays Cromwell as a strident, and not particularly interesting, idealogue, an impression strengthened by his Techicolour-blue eyes. But the star turn (perhaps unsurprisingly) is that of Alec Guinness playing Charles I and perfectly caputuring the petulant stoicism of the King. Although the closing credits acclaim Cromwell, the film's strength really lies in the balanced treatment of the King and his nemesis; and it's willingness to show the world through 17th century eyes.
Review of Cromwell
