Elizabeth (Wide Screen)

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 history ...
...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) ... Read review

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 ... Read review

Advantages: see review
Disadvantages: see review

...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 ... Read review

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. ... Read review

Advantages: Brilliant film, fantastic cast, costume, script and direction.
Disadvantages: None

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, ... Read review