Elizabeth has to be one of the most sumptuous costume dramas of recent times. Based on the ascension of Queen Elizabeth I to the English throne and the earlier years of her reign it is visually stunning, packed wall to wall with world class performances and drama. But?.
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Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
Production Year: 2003 - Drama - Director: Michael Winterbottom - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Tim Robbins, Samantha Morton, Om Puri, Jeanne Balibar
Drama - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Shelagh Fraser, Barbara Flynn, Keith Drinkel, Felicity Kendal, Pam Ferris, Colin Douglas
Advantages: Excellent perfomances, stunning costumes and sets Disadvantages: The historical inaccuracies, over romanticised in places
Elizabeth has to be one of the most sumptuous costume dramas of recent times. Based on the ascension of Queen Elizabeth I to the English throne and the earlier years of her reign it is visually stunning, packed wall to wall with world class performances and drama. But?.
Before reviewing the film in its own right there is a but. This film has taken a huge scoop of artistic licence with the story and for those with an interest in Elizabethan ... ...Cate Blanchett's portrayal of Queen Elizabeth is superb, wonderfully enhanced by intricate detail to costume and make up. The personal aspect of her life is mainly represented by her relationship with Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. A friend since childhood it has been assumed that Dudley was a genuine love of the Queen and there is much conjecture that she wished to marry him. The relationship between herself and Dudley, (played by Joseph Fiennes) ... more
Elizabeth has to be one of the most sumptuous costume dramas of recent times. Based on the ascension of Queen Elizabeth I to the English throne and the earlier years of her reign it is visually stunning, packed wall to wall with world class performances and drama. But?.
Before reviewing the film in its own right there is a but. This film has taken a huge scoop of artistic licence with the story and for those with an interest in Elizabethan history it will probably annoy you beyond compare at times. I would class my knowledge of this era as so-so but even I could see glaring distractions from what history tells us. Of course there is no law that says film has to depict situations as fact, or what we think we think to be fact; this could lead to some very dull films in deed. However, I did feel that this film had crossed that line a little to far. When viewed with this in mind the film is a powerful representation of the feeling of the times if not the facts. Therefore I would recommend you don't watch this film as a way of revising for your history exam but do watch it for a feeling of the atmosphere of Tudor England - it may help you look at those dull history books with new eyes!
Cate Blanchett's portrayal of Queen Elizabeth is superb, wonderfully enhanced by intricate detail to costume and make up. The personal aspect of her life is mainly represented by her relationship with Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. A friend since childhood it has been assumed that Dudley was a genuine love of the Queen and there is much conjecture that she wished to marry him. The relationship between herself and Dudley, (played by Joseph Fiennes) is heavily romanticised. Dudley is far too often portrayed as a love sick puppy often on the verge of a lover's tantrum. I would like to have seen a little more power behind the Dudley character. History tells us that he was married in his late teens therefore whether the Queen wished to marry him or not came a secondary matter. And for real scandal his wife was found dead with a broken neck at the bottom of the stairs which lead to much court gossip and sealed the decision that the Queen could never marry a man who's character was so slurred. None of this is mentioned in the film and I can't help but feel it would have added to the atmosphere. The film-makers seemed so set on portraying the political and scandalous wrangling of the era it confuses me as to why they were so happy to 'fiddle' parts of the story for the sake of drama yet steadfastly ignore wonderful dramatic plots history placed right under their noses!
These quibbles aside and looking at is as purely a film there is little to criticise. The film depicts the grandiose nature of the times wonderfully and is highly atmospheric. There is a great sense of the political and religious intrigue and backstabbing (sometimes literally!) of the era. Everyone is permanently on edge as the balance of power ebbs and flows - greatly influenced by the Catholic-Protestant divide. Set in the centre of this is Queen Elizabeth and the film shows how she develops from a frightened teenager with a flair for public speaking to a capable and confident leader.
The supporting cast of plotters and would be successors is superb. Those particularly worth a mention are Geoffrey Rush as the Queens loyal but brutal supporter Sir Francis Walsingham and Christopher Eccleston as scheming pretender to the throne the Duke of Norfolk. Both are strong character actors who are utterly convincing as leading players in this most political of games.
A strong and stirring soundtrack adds to the often dark and dangerous atmosphere. The film moves on at great speed and never feels stagnant. At the end, when the Queen faces her demons and dedicates her whole being to her country, seemingly at the cost of her own happiness, there is the feeling we have only just come to the beginning of the story.
I personally feel it was bordering on criminal to voerlook Cate Blanchett for the Best Actress Oscar in favour of the weeping Paltrow. Her performance is rock solid throughout.
And certainly I cannot write this opinion without praising director Shekhar Kapur the Indian born film maker who took to film making after becoming disillusioned with his chosen career accountancy. Accountancy's loss is film making gain. Kapur captures the dark and sumptous nature of the time and also captures the feeling of space and distance that must have existed in those times.
For a film of feeling and emotion it is wonderful and will no doubt stir interest in even the most history shy viewer. When costume/historical drama is done well I find it one of the most entertaining genres available and in those terms this film is a must see. Five stars as a film, I will turn a blind eye to historical inaccuracies this time on the grounds that it does stir the emotions so well.
Advantages: Great costume drama, well acted Disadvantages: Not historically accurate, alas...
...of the intrigues that beset Elizabeth are collapsed and promulgated in the character of a few (Spanish, French, and Papist agents), and all at the beginning of her reign. In fact, Elizabeth was in the process of securing her throne throughout most of her reign. The love affair with Lord Robert Dudley is most likely true in fact, if not in the form presented here. Walsingham was in fact her trusted ally; the bishops were in fact a problem caste. Sussex, ... ...conclusion of the film, as Elizabeth becomes wedded to England. In fact, she had many suitors (many of whom lost their heads over her, literally), and the idea of 'virgin' is a rather different one today than during Elizabeth's time. Of course, the Tudors were always a rather randy bunch, and Elizabeth was in many ways, as she proclaimed in her own words, 'my father's daughter'. In the end, Elizabeth remains the only unmarried monarch of marriage-able ...
frkurt 18.02.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Elizabeth (DVD)
...years the rule of Queen Elizabeth I of England - arguably Britain’s most successful monarch. At the end of her 40 year reign, Britain owned or had colonised over 25% of the world.
Shaken by the death of Queen Mary (played by the brilliant Kathy Burke), Catholic Britain conspires against its new protestant ruler, Elizabeth I(Cate Blanchett). Weak and inexperienced in the ways of governance, Elizabeth relies heavily on her advisors, whilst carrying ... ...and intrigue which unfurls as Elizabeth struggles to keep her throne in 16th Century Britain. Lavish sets and flickering candles are accompanied by a haunting classical operatic score as dark deeds are performed in the name of England. Cate Blanchett puts in a superior performance as Elizabeth, exhibiting a true air of nobility and poise, and delivering her lines with regal grace. Geoffrey Rush also delights with a truly menacing, understated performance ...
wampyrii 02.05.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Elizabeth (DVD)
Advantages: Very entertaining view of a period of history Disadvantages: ...although its not very factual
...exploring issues issues that Queen Elizabeth faced during her life. The film starts by demonstrating that there is religious and political turmoil between the Catholics and the Protestants in England. Such a powerful turmoil, that it dominants almost every decision that people make. The film illustrates this throughout the film but it is most obvious when it shows the division of the royal family, when Queen Mary asks Elizabeth (her successor) to ... ...England. In a tactical move, Elizabeth says, she will follow as her conscience guides her.
In addition to the political religious turmoil, highlighted is the role of women in society as second class citizens. This is ironic as the monarch is the most powerful being in the country. The division between womens roles is particularly highlighted when her advising counsil keep on pressurising her to marry inorder to produce a heir to secure the throne. ...
silvajade 16.04.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Elizabeth (DVD)
Elizabeth came out at a similar time to Shakespeare in love, both star Jo Fiennes, both are set during the same era and both have a Queen Elizabeth and both were up for many of the same awards at the Oscars. It was therefore very difficult to know what to expect after seeing 'Shakespeare in Love'.
The film begins in England, 1554. The country has been reduced to financial and religious instability under the rule of Queen Mary I (Kathy Burke),years ... ...and terror. Even Princess Elizabeth (Cate Blanchett), and her half-sister are in grave danger, however Mary's last attempt to have her executed for treason fails and she dies days later. In November 1558, Elizabeth is crowned Queen Elizabeth I of England. From then on she rules the country as best she can and shows just how strong girl power can be as she states that she is to 'marry' the country.
There is a brilliant cast featuring Richard Attenborough, ...
CandiceB666 09.04.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Elizabeth (DVD)
Elizabeth is simply a truly amazing film, which anyone who likes good films would love and would do well to watch. Everything about this film is exceptional from the soundtrack to the performances put in by the amazing cast.
It follows the story of Elizabeth I - possibly the only truly beloved Queen of England - and her struggle to gain power and authority over a Court run by men in an era where women are seen as a lower class. On coming to power, ... ...with the rumoured affair between Elizabeth and Lord Dudley, but looks at the wider range of events affecting Elizabeth's situation. The timeline is completely inacccurate, but it does not really affect this film in the way it could have done. Overall, this film is a worthy homage to "Good Queen Bess" and a joy to watch. ...
Lily_Bart 19.07.2000
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Elizabeth (DVD)
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Advantages: Splendid turn by Glenda Jackson; brilliant scripts; historical accuracy; sumptuous costumes; compleat DVD set (Region 1). Disadvantages: Off with your silly head!
-see for students of Tudor or English history, for those who appreciate superb historical drama and theatre, who enjoy the English language as elegantly written and majestically spoken, and who remain fascinated by Elizabeth I and her times. Get this now, preferably on DVD. Very, very highly recommended. Ten stars of the five, if I could rate it honestly!
Notes:
While few elements in the series would be deemed inappropriate for little ones (there is the controversial matter of Thomas Seymour romping with young Elizabeth, Mary [of Scotland] Stuart's gory end, and a fleeting reference to an extramarital pregnancy, to name the most obvious), most of the material will go above the heads of young children anyway and would be more suitable for those twelve to thirteen years of age and older, depending on their level of intellectual precocity.
The 'R ...
Advantages: Easy to understand - documents ALL her life and her impact upon England as a ruler. Disadvantages: Some people might prefer a 'traditional' film adaptation.
David Starkey's Elizabeth I
~ What is it about?~
I have always been fascinated by English history and as well as reading various books by David Starkey, I saw this documentary when it on Channel 4 a while back. I saw that it could be rented from Lovefilm and so decided to get it out and watch it with my daughter, who will be studying this Tudor period at school very soon.
It is narrated of course by the historian David Starkey and covers her life from infancy, all the way through her reign.
The dvd is sectioned into four episodes:
The first episode tells us all about Elizabeth's birth, childhood and eventual ascent to the throne.
The second episode is entitled -'The Virgin Queen' and cover's the personal turmoil Elizabeth goes through, as a husband is sought for her, to provide security for the country.
The third ...
Advantages: Beautiful Film, Loverly Story that is well told. Disadvantages: No Extras on the DVD
with the American divorcé Mrs. Simpson; Bertie and Elizabeth inheriting the thrown and becoming King and Queen; the Second World War, and Berties early death in 1952. Elizabeth out lived her husband by over 50 years.
Starring Juliet Aubrey, the BAFTA award winning star of Middlemarch and James Wilby (Gosford Park, A Handful Of Dust)
NO DVD EXTRAS
I love this. I have a soft spot for period dramas in general which started with Pride and Prejudice but this true story warms my heart. I love it, and in my opinion it shows a human side to royal romance that you don't usually think of. The settings and costumes as well as the casting is excellent. The chemistry between Juliet Aubrey and James Wilby works brilliantly and makes you feel as if you are secretly looking in to the real life of Elizabeth and Bertie. The main draw back to this DVD is the lack ...
Shekhar Kapur's visually stunning film tells the story of Queen Elizabeth I (Cate Blanchett), from her days as an innocent young woman to her coronation, up to the formation of her reputation as England's stern Virgin Queen. A lush portrait of history, full of pomp, intrigue, and romance and anchored by Blanchett's award-winning performance and colourful direction from Kapur. The excellent supporting cast includes Geoffrey Rush, Joseph Fiennes, Christopher Eccleston, and Richard Attenborough.
Country Of Origin
United Kingdom
Running Time
4 hours, 1 hour 59 minutes
Video Category
Television, Feature Film
Release details
Studio(s)
CHANNEL 4 DVD; LACE GROUP, UNIVERSAL PICTURES UK; UNIVERSAL MUSIC OPERATIONS, VISION VIDEO LTD.; UNIVERSAL MUSIC OPERATIONS
...Entirely fresh, sometimes radical, consistently entertaining....[Blanchett is] seductive, refined and potent... (Movieline, )
...[Blanchett] brings spirit, beauty and substance to [her role]... (New York Times, )
...Cate Blanchett has a passionate fire and wit that command attention... (Rolling Stone, )
...ELIZABETH is bold and moving... (Sight and Sound, )
DVD Description
Shekhar Kapur's visually stunning film tells the story of Queen Elizabeth I (Cate Blanchett), from her days as an innocent young woman to her coronation, up to the formation of her reputation as England's stern Virgin Queen. A lush portrait of history, full of pomp, intrigue, and romance and anchored by Blanchett's award-winning performance and colourful direction from Kapur. The excellent supporting cast includes Geoffrey Rush, Joseph Fiennes, Christopher Eccleston, and Richard Attenborough.
A "Grimm-er" Live Action (PG) Take on This Classic Brothers Grimm Tale, Directed by the Screenwriter/Co-Author of Edward Scissorhands (Caroline Thompson)
Possibly Not Suitable for Younger Children (not Disney Animation "Pretty-Pretty" version) - Miranda Richardson dominates the action and steals the show as the stepmother. (*)
![Elizabeth I [DVD]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/79481941.jpg)
![Elizabeth [DVD] [1998]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78475787.jpg)
