The Tudors: Complete Series 2 [2008] - DVD (Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Natalie Dormer, Jeremy Northam, Henry Cavill, Maria Doyle Kennedy - Dir: Michael Hirst)

It’s a very welcome return for The Tudors in this terrific second season of the show, which picks up once more on the earlier years in the reign of King Henry VIII. And once again, it pulls few punches, by turns violent, passionate and dramatic. It’s absolutely not family viewing, but it does grab you by the collar and simply not let up.

What’s more, The Tudors is once again powered by arguably a career-defining performance by Jonathan Rhys-Meyers. He’s quite superb as the young King, capturing the obsession of Henry VIII in his quest for a male heir to the throne. He’s matched by a strong supporting cast, too, particularly Natalie Dormer’s Anne Boleyn. And with lavish production values grounding the show, it’s a sumptuous, surprisingly edgy slice of historical drama.

That said, once again, the show takes some liberties with history, and inevitably attracts attention for doing so. But those liberties are taken for a reason. The drama is never less than compelling, and it’s worth cutting The Tudors some slack for the decisions it makes. After all, the end result is genuinely gripping and engaging television, and come the final credits on the ten episodes here, chances are you’ll be thirsting for more. For even though you may know how the story ultimately ends, The Tudors is ample proof that the journey there is really what matters. --Jon Foster

Customer Reviews of The Tudors: Complete Series 2 [2008]

kmcva
Berlin, Germany
28th November 2008

Much better than the first series - great entertainment
I just loved series No 2. It seems that with the characters the whole series has matured. And that in a very positive sense. It is still very entertaing and beautiful to look at. The acting is much more ion the forfront (compared to the mere naked pleasures of series no 1). All in all, it seems to be much more acturate and historically valuable (even tough I beliebe that Jane Seymour is a bit too gorgeous) Jonathan Rhys Meyers performance is superb. It was worthwhile seeing this series. Enjoy!!

Roxy
UK
21st November 2008

Superb
I am one of those people who loves history movies and read books of like a child, but this movie it is not about history. Everyone should watch this movie for what it is, a superb cast, actors, costumes, panorama, etc... Effects are morethan beautiful executed, I am speachless and I recomend to everybody to buy this DV's simply for what it is, a superb film.

Roxana

Jan Claud Daniel Fanni
Spain
21st November 2008

The perfect match between History and entretainment
I bought season 1 when it came out although I had read about the inacuracies of the series. I was certainly impressed with the overall product so that I did not hesitate in buying season 2 via pre-order.
I must say that this has been certainly the best purchase I have made, DvD wise, this year.
I have been completely blown away by the increased quality of this installment. The more I saw the more I have to bow to the great representation of this convulsed time. When one gets used to see and read the protestant account of those times that end up with the glorious rise of Elisabeth one tends to forget and ignore the usual "bad guys" in the ultimate loosers of the Catholic faith. I have never been one to much dwell upon religion and so this fair portrayal of the disgraced Catherine and her daughter Mary has made me a staunch fan of this series, which I hope will end up covering the whole era.

Three cheers for Showtime and their amazing work!

History_girl_88
England
14th November 2008

Wonderful
As a history student in her final year at university, I can well understand why those who have a passion for history, and its accurate portrayal, may have problems with the liberties taken here. However, it's important to remember that Henry VIII was not always fat and old, especially during this period! In fact, in some of the very final scenes of the series, we can see how he will probably progress into being this more typical version, and I for one cannot wait to see if they can pull this transition off. The important thing to remember is that this is a tv show; not even a documentary, and therefore has not got an obligation to be 100 per cent factual all of the time, but to be entertaining for the audience. And anything that makes people who normally wouldn't be interested in history want to know more after they've finished viewing, has to have my vote.

Aly Bongo

7th November 2008

great stuff
Yes it's a bit over the top and stretches the truth a bit. However, what a great romp. As for Jonathan Rhys Meyers being too good looking,I would like to remind the "historians" that Henry was once considered to be the "Golden Prince", and described as the most handsome in all of Europe.
It was only after his leg became too bad for him to ride and play sports did he become obese.