terminally flawed costume drama.

We begin with being informed that "Norman Lords rule the land" - not so.

By 1154, and the ascension of Hnery II begins the Angevin, or Plantagent, ascension of England. This is no quibble, but need not concern us beyond the establishment of the error of historical facts which so infest the entire presentation.

Herewithout, however, is such a parade of "quibbles" that bring the whole down forthwith, and completely.

I think, that had the play been set in some other era, either earlier, or perhaps later, (even much later, say, France in the late eighteenth century, it might have been easier to lay the historical precedents and antecedents aside.

It resolves itself to a mystery play without much mystery, and sets itself up to stand on the merit of the beautiful soundtrack and some rather slick cinematography.

All the actors are wasted with the slendor dialogue and almost completely redundant storyline.

What we are left with is a procession of intriguing visuals and throwaway performances.