NEW WORLDS

Looking to see how accurately the period is presented, because it was his father King Charles I whose autocratic, bloody and vicious actions, and the divine right of the monarchy to rule undisputed, led to his beheading (and the end of total regal power) and the civil war which put Oliver Cromwell (leading parliament) in charge of the country. His son, King Charles II, his brother and mother (from memory) escaped to Europe and lived a very poor life in hiding.Once Cromwell was vanquished, parliament agreed to re-establish the monarchy, but kept most of the power itself, which has been the basis of ruling Britain right up to our modern monarchy of today.I am likely to edit this once I have watched the DVD, given the producers' playing with historical fact in "The White Queen" and the "White Princess" amongst other series.

fan of J

4 1/2 STARS -- SEQUEL TO A MOVIE CALLED "THE DEVIL'S WHORE", BUT SET 20 YEARS LATER --- IT'S STYLE MAY DIVIDE SOME FANS, BUT IS SIGNIFICANT NONETHELESS --- (SDH SUBTITLES)BRIEF HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE INCLUDED BELOWMonarchists vs. Republicans, Protestants vs. Catholics, Colonials vs. Native Americans. This four part miniseries uses fictional characters and real ones alike to delve into a turbulent period that many Americans are not that familiar with. This period will help sow seeds for our own revolution. It's a sequel to a movie called DEVIL'S WHORE (in the U.S. it's called -  The Devil's Mistress  --- Here is the DVD version of the same  Devils Mistress . My review there explains version differences between US and UK for that title.) The name Devil's Whore sounds tawdry, but it was also a historical drama/fiction like New Worlds. Both series have minor flaws, but are substantial in pointing viewers to a critical period in history that is underserved. Like the first series, many central characters in NEW WORLDS are fictitious and some real relationships have been altered to fit the story. Because of its heavy historical content and slightly less polished feel, a few avid period drama fans could find it dry compared to big budget productions - despite the high intrigue and action sequences. On the other hand, strict history buffs might find difficulty at certain discrepancies with real history. I felt it falls somewhere in the middle and was much easier for me to enjoy after I did minor research on the characters. Certainly, if one isn't at least remembering names and their importance, it can turn a little dry. I found it riveting once I put in the effort.THE STORY (no spoilers): 20 years after the setting of Kings Whore, Charles II has also been on the throne for 20 years since the restoration of the monarchy and death of Cromwell. Fictional character Angelica Fanshawe (central character to the first series and namesake "Devil's Whore") has not only survived the restoration of the monarchy, but is a countess married to a "papist" husband. She tries to live quietly with her family despite a secret connection to fugitives in the colonies. However, with other nobles coveting her land, and a powerful enemy in Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys, her seemingly idyllic life is in great danger. Jeffreys is seeking revenge on her family as an agent of King Charles II himself. A person heavily associated with Fanshawe in the first series is real life character Edward Sexby. As Jeffreys places a spy in Fanshawe's house, her 20 year old daughter Beth (Freya Mavor)discovers the secret of her own lineage. She begins to support local rebels which places her family in even greater danger. As it happens, the man she aides and falls in love with is none other than the son of famous fugitive William Goffe who fled to Massachusetts and was harbored for a while by Rev. John Russell (according to tradition). His son Abe Goffe is played by Jaime Dornan. While English republicans struggle against the restored monarchy, protestants are also continuing the suppression of Catholic practices. Furthermore, Puritans and other colonists who have left tyranny in England are involved in their own conflict with Native Americans as they use all means necessary to expand their land (and expel the natives). "New Worlds" refers not only to the Colonies, but to the New World of democracy and parliamentary dominance that awaits England.MORE HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: Angelica Fanshawe is fictional as stated. However, her name is likely borrowed from Lady Ann Fanshawe who was a royalist, married her cousin Richard Fanshawe, and had 10 children. Her life was not similar in its course to this protagonist. Col William Goffe is an example of certain characters whose circumstances are significantly changed. I won't give it away, but it could bother historians. As the producers say in their own special features on the discs, the story came first, meaning general history was important, but not paramount. Their intent was to tell a good story which brings attention to the period in general. Some Americans will not be familiar with the name Algernon Sidney (who was prosecuted by "hanging judge" Jeffreys. His works are mentioned in the same breath with John Locke for their importance in political thought being proliferated in the American Colonies. Perhaps we are also not as familiar with the affect of Charles' revocation of the Massachusetts Bay Charter (as he cracked down on republicans and colonists) and how it shaped attitudes in New England almost a century before Bostonians and a core of others helped draw a future nation into war.FINAL THOUGHTS: For those drawn to this production by Jaimie Dornan, you might be interested to know this is one of his best and most natural performances. However, if you are not particularly interested in history, this series may be harder to engage. As I said before, it falls somewhere between the realms of either good period drama and good historical drama. It is good, but not entirely in one camp or the other. I will reiterate that it is much easier to enjoy with light background, which is why I included a little here.

This was really an enjoyable show but it looked like it was made at one hundred mph some of the scenes were out of focus and some parts seemed to run into other parts screenplay not good at times the story very good and that counted a lot was a fair show

I love watching these kinds of shows . plus a bonus with the cast .

Adored it! Beautifully photographed, costumed compelling historic drama. Jamie Dornan at his simmering, smoldering alluring best, as good as he is in The Fall, but with longer hair. If you are a Jamie Dornan addict, do not miss this.

Good story centered either right before or, possibly, the early stages before the making of the USA. Storyline goes back & forth between England & the new colony.

This film was so intent on pressing a politically correct version of history that it relies on the viewer knowing nothing about history. Sadly, too easy to do these days. The film portrays Charles II as the personification of evil. In fact, Charles II was a popular ruler with the people and ruled England from 1630 to 1685. A simple Google search on Charles II, the Whigs who plotted against him and the colony of Massachusetts during this time period will enlighten anyone wishing to know the historical truth.

Research was excellent, directing and acting fantastic. Really enjoyed this film. However it was fairly dark in places that it was hard to make out the characters. Inspite of that I loved it. I waited a long time to try and see this film and finally did, it did not disappoint.

👍👍👍👍

Okay

Je ne peux que recommander cette série à tous les amateurs d' Histoire .Il s'agit d'un épisode relatant une période assez troublée de l' Histoire d' Angleterre ,à savoir le règne de Charles II au milieu du XVII ème siècle . Ce dernier ainsi que les Royaliste cherchent à se venger par tous les moyens des anciens partisans de Cromwell ayant amené l'exécution du roi Charles 1er . La reconstitution de l'époque est rendue avec beaucoup de réalisme . Le luxe et l'opulence de la noblesse face à la misère et au dénuement du peuple . Quant aux châtiments réservés aux "complotistes ",aux Catholiques ou aux simples opposants ,on peut dire que nos voisins ne faissaient pas dans " la dentelle " ( Eviscérations, émasculations, dépeçages , etc. ) On se demande si les créateurs de " Saw" ne se sont pas inspirés de cette époque . C'est une série qui aurait mérité un traitement plus long . Quatre épisodes de 50 mn pour relater autant d'évènements me semblent trop courts. D'autant plus que l'action se déroule simultanément en Angleterre et au Nouveau - Monde ( Massassuchets ) . Beaucoup de raccourcis (je ne parle pas des décapités! ) font que parfois on a du mal à suivre les allées et venues des personnages . La ressemblance existant entre le buste en marbre de Charles II et l'acteur interprétant le rôle est ahurissante .Georges Sanders en Charles II dans " Ambre " est un bisounours à côté de celui de la série .Beaucoup de personnages mentionnés ont réellement existé ,notemment le personnage du début qui sera récupéré par les autorités afin d'espionner une famille " à éliminer ". La séquence où l'on voit de "bons puritains" toujours prêts à diffuser la parole divine et qui procurent aux Amérindiens des couvertures infectées avec le virus de la variole est rigoureusement authentiques . Cette maladie ainsi que toutes les maladies infectieuses ( grippe,rougeole,syphilis ,etc.) inconnues des autochtones fera des millions de morts .

This is the sequel to channel 4's the Devil's Whore which was set during the time of the English civil war, this show starts off a few decades later during the time of King Charles the second and later on King James. The mini series follows four young people actross both England and the new world of America who appose, King Charles and his who court have returned to tyranny and the people's of both England and America are now repressed.However the colonists in the new world are also at war with the native Americans, the colonists commit shocking acts on the natives and it really brings home the injustice carried out by the 17th century settlers and make the viewer almost wish we had never discovered America and just let the people be.Whilst this series fails to be quite as good as the Devil's Whore I still feel it deserves 5 stars thanks to it's captivating plot and brilliant acting, Jeremy Northman plays the part of Charles II very well, if you enjoyed the Devil's Whore or are just into historical drama series, give this a go, I'm sure that most will really enjoy it.