Based on the real figure, but the film greatly exaggerates his importance in the early stages of the conflict with Charles I and misrepresents his motivations as primarily democratic rather than religious. Harris captures intensity but not necessarily historical nuance.

Guinness's portrayal is highly regarded, accurately capturing Charles I's appearance, reported stammer, dignity, and inflexible belief in his God-given authority, which contributed to the conflict.

Accurately depicted as Charles's influential wife, whose Catholicism and perceived influence on the King fueled Parliamentarian distrust.

Accurately portrayed as an early, more traditional aristocratic commander for Parliament whose perceived lack of vigour in prosecuting the war led to calls for reform (leading to the New Model Army).

Fairfax was the real commander, but his role (especially at Naseby) is significantly downplayed in the film to elevate Cromwell's importance. His complex relationship with Cromwell is simplified.

Pym was a key leader in the Long Parliament opposing Charles I. His interactions with Cromwell early in the film inaccurately suggest Cromwell was already a figure of great importance sought out by Pym.

Simplifies the complex religious, political, and financial issues, but touches upon the core conflict between the King's assertion of Divine Right and Parliament's demands for greater power and religious reform.

The film portrays Cromwell as a major leader from the start (e.g., defying the King during the attempt to arrest the Five Members). Historically, he was a relatively minor MP until his military prowess emerged later.

Cromwell was present at Edgehill but did not play the decisive commanding role depicted in the film.

Accurately shows Cromwell's key role in advocating for and organizing a more professional, centrally controlled, and meritocratic Parliamentarian army, replacing older structures.

Depicts Cromwell leading outnumbered Parliamentarians to victory. In reality, Sir Thomas Fairfax commanded the New Model Army, which significantly outnumbered the Royalists at Naseby. Cromwell's cavalry role was crucial but not overall command.

Captures the unprecedented nature of putting a reigning monarch on trial and Charles's consistent defense based on Divine Right and the court's lack of legitimacy.

Portrays the historical event of the King's execution, a pivotal moment in English history. (Cromwell's absence from the actual execution is omitted).

Depicts the historical event accurately, but places it after the offer of the crown, whereas historically it occurred before.

Parliament did offer Cromwell the crown in 1657, which he ultimately refused. The film depicts this but conflates the timeline and context (e.g., Ireton is shown involved, but he was already dead).

The film portrays Cromwell as fighting for modern "democracy" and the "free people." Historians agree his primary driver was radical Puritan religious conviction; he was not a democrat in the modern sense.

The film completely ignores Cromwell's brutal and controversial military campaign in Ireland (1649-50), a major and defining aspect of his career and legacy.

Visually captures the period well through locations, large-scale sets, and detailed costumes, contributing to an authentic atmosphere.

The layout and functioning of Parliament during the period appear accurately represented.

Contrasts effectively with the Parliamentarian settings, showing the different styles and atmosphere associated with the monarchy.

Features large-scale battle recreations employing period-accurate "pike and shot" tactics, cavalry charges, and artillery, using numerous extras for visual impact.

Won an Academy Award for Costume Design. Effectively distinguishes between the more elaborate styles of the Royalists (Cavaliers) and the plainer attire of the Parliamentarians/Puritans.

Accurately shows the mix of muskets, pikes, swords, pistols, cannons, and armor (breastplates, helmets) typical of the English Civil War armies.

Utilizes authentic locations and well-constructed sets to represent the castles, manor houses, churches, and parliamentary buildings of the era.

Successfully conveys the intense divisions and high stakes of the period, where political power and religious doctrine were inextricably linked and fiercely contested.