Elizabeth (DVD)

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) ...

BizzyBek 25.10.2001 · Read full review
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Review of Elizabeth (DVD)

...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 · Read full review
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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 · Read full review
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Review of Elizabeth (DVD)

...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 · Read full review
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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 · Read full review
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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 · Read full review
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Review of Elizabeth (DVD)

...in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, the story portrays her life from a young vulnerable and naive girl to the all powerful domineering queen that she became. Factually correct through out most of the film, the excellent costumes combined with the great acting tallents of Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, Joseph Fiennes, Chris Eccleston, and Richard Attenborough to name but a few make this a memorable film. I was a little dissapointed with the soundtrack ...

jonwhite 29.09.2000 · Read full review
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Review of Elizabeth (DVD)

Elizabeth I, she was a bit of nasty piece of work, wasn't she? Immortalised but Miranda Richardson in Blackadder II, until now. But what made her so nasty? Shekhar Kapur's film gives a possibility of why. With a glorious cast such as Cate Blanchett as the Virgin Queen, Joseph Fiennes (in frilly shirt and hose again?!), the formidable Gefforey Rush and the perfect John Geilgud. Elizabeth is a tremendous drama with beautiful cinamatography, a clever ...

Kozinski 07.12.2000 · Read full review
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Review of Elizabeth (DVD)

...the sovereign. She really brings Elizabeth to life, not as a queen but as the strong willed, hot blooded, fascinating young woman who gave up her own happiness for her country. The script is fair, though not out standing, but it is visually, that the film really shines. The queen and her friends, advisors and enemies are played by a bunch of exceptionally talented actors, whose presence simply lights up the screen, the costumes and scenery are stunning ...
...however, powerful scenes of brutal violence throughout, which some viewers may find quite upsetting. Though, personally I enjoyed the whole film from start to finish, particularly the last scene, in which Elizabeth cuts her hair and announces to the court that she is married to England, which is very moving. ...

drusilla 13.01.2001 · Read full review
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Review of Elizabeth (DVD)

"Elizabeth" is a nice little film that tries to be big. The production design, costume design, and direction are all wonderful. However, all these elements take away from every actor in the film. Every actor except Cate Blanchett, who gives a stunning performance and should have won the Best Actress Oscar in 1998. Her transformation from naive child to powerful queen over the course of the film is remarkable. She is a definite scene-stealer and when ...
...Geoffrey Rush has his usual fine performance as well. Others like Joseph Fiennes, Chris Eccleston, and Richard Attenborough seem to be overwhelmed by the film itself and give fair performances at best. All in all it was worthy of seven Oscar nods, but for the most part only because of Blanchett. 4 out of 5 stars. ...

ros145 15.07.2000 · Read full review
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Review of Elizabeth (DVD)

As Elizabethan murder mysteries go this is probably the best. From the outset the director manages to capture just the right air of menace and treachery lurking in every shadow, made all the more compelling by the fact that the story is relatively close to the facts. The cinematography is quite beautiful and almost equals Kubricks 'Barry Lyndon' in its use of natural and candle light. Cate Blanchett is superb with equally good work by Geoffrey Rush ...

JSpencer 12.07.2000 · Read full review
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Review of Elizabeth (DVD)

...and shortly afterwards dies leaving Elizabeth at the Queen. Still enemies & rebellion lurk and Elizabeth takes drastic measures to secure her throne. This film focuses on Elizabeth’s early life as a young woman & the events which transformed her into the Virgin Queen. The acting is superb and the tension and suspense are as good as any thriller set in the present day. ...

mvale 20.08.2000 · Read full review
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Review of Elizabeth (DVD)

Maybe I need to watch this film a 2nd time. During my first viewing in the cinema I found it difficult to stifle laughter in places. There is no doubt this is a beautifully shot and acted film (Kate Blanchett was, indeed, superb) but there were too many historical problems and ludicrous moments for me to relax and enjoy it. It was obviously made for an American market - cue ridiculous captions - ' The Coast of England' over the white cliffs of ...
...then zoom in to ' The Vatican' - I fully expected them to stamp 'The Pope' across John Geilgud's head (and then unleash Monty Python's Spanish Inquisition!) This, coupled with the soundtrack's blaring, anacronistic and innapropriate use of Elgar's 'Nimrod' over and over again throughout the film, left me more irritated than impressed. I asume that the soundtrack was supposed to highten the emotion of the action but it ended up elevating the drama ...

undergroundcaroline 19.02.2005 · Read full review
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Review of Elizabeth (DVD)

...is so well formulated The costumes are great and the script is well written. Everyone's accent is well pronouned which enhances the reality element of the film. You'll really believe Cate Blanchett is Queen Elizabeth the first. It's nice to see great films like this coming out if Britain! ...

missskyeeyes 14.10.2002 · Read full review
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Review of Elizabeth (DVD)

The cameramen on this film were obsessed with shadows. All of the characters lurk behind pillars, hide in dark corners, and conduct hushed conversations in shady places. As an atmospheric recreation of the Elizabethan court, it can't be bettered. Into this atmosphere of corruption, treason and greed walks Cate Blanchett as the young Queen. You are won over to the lively young woman before she is crowned, and you are rooting for her every inch of ...
...survives war, impossible decisions, plots to overthrow her, and a broken heart. But she does it all while convincing you that she is a real woman with real emotions. The biggest criticism I have of the film is that it could have kept going for another decade of her life, and at even at double the length of the film, it would still have been gripping. ...

Kate 07.06.2000 · Read full review
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Review of Elizabeth (DVD)