Elizabeth - The Golden Age reviews (2007)

Elizabeth - The Golden Age details

Formats:	12 DVD, Blu-ray
Starring:	Geoffrey Rush, Rhys Ifans, Cate Blanchett, Christian Brassington, Clive Owen, Samantha Morton, Adam Godley, Tom Hollander, Abbie Cornish, Jordi Molla, Samantha Mo
Director:	Shekhar Kapur
Genre:	Drama - Crime
Studio:	UNIVERSAL PICTURES UK
Collections:	100 Feisty Females, Top 400 All-Time Rentals

Name	Discs
Elizabeth - The Golden Age	12 Feature

DVD Information

Rental release:	25 Feb 2008
Main languages:	English

Name	Discs
Elizabeth - The Golden Age	12 Feature

Blu-ray Information

Run time:	1 hour 51 minutes
Rental release:	15 Mar 2010
Main languages:	English
Dubbed:	German, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, French Canadian
Subtitles:	Cantonese, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, French Canadian, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Spanish Latin American, Swedish

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LOVEFiLM Review Elizabeth - The Golden Age

By Tom Charity from LOVEFiLM

Cate Blanchett reprises her Oscar nominated role as Queen Elizabeth I, in this follow-up to 1998's Elizabeth...
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Most helpful review Elizabeth - The Golden Age

Majestic sequel

By Meako (59 reviews) from Sheffield , 29 Oct 2007

THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS Show review anywayHide

[Highly rated reviewer]

The first Elizabeth film (well, not the 'first' but the one of which this is a sequel to) came out in 1998, and it focused on the early life of Elizabeth I, and her rise to power. The encompassing mood of the film was the struggle against fate, and the reluctance to be thrust into power. The film was nominated for many awards, scooping a few Baftas (for lead Cate Blanchett and support Geoffrey Rush amongst other technical awards) and one Oscar (for makeup), it was certainly recieved well by critics and audiences alike. It has taken a while to get a second film made, and that is probably for the better as the story now skips ahead in as many years as life itself has for those involved. The period of History, and Elizabeth's reign, is now the era of the most turmoil for the Queen. Spain's Catholic crusade is at a peak, with conflict between them and the Protestant England about to reach boiling point (and inevitable war). Another threat to the throne comes from within, with conspirators plotting to remove Elizabeth and placing Mary Stuart (Queen of Scots - played by Samantha Morton) on the throne. The feeling and mood this time is of struggle to hold onto identity whilst everything around you conspires to destroy you. Returning to the film are Blanchet, Rush, and the director Shekhar Kapur.

The film is lavishly costumed and lensed, with the story focusing on the political machinations going on around the Queen. A new face in the mix, and a welcome one, is Clive Owen as Walter Raleigh - played with rogueish charm as the only person (aside from Rush) who will be totally honest to the Queen. A few liberties are taken with regards to historical context and accuracy, with some sub stories taking place earlier in history than they should, but this doesn't affect the film's power and (forgive the pun) majesty.

Great cast, and a tight script which focuses on the Virgin Queen during the greatest turmoil in her reign. Blanchett effortlessly conveys the fear and worry, and desperate longing for a normal life that the script asks for. Fabulous, and sumptuous. I anticipate some more nominations and wins in the next awards season.
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Not as good as the first one but worth a look

By a customer , 18 Apr 2013

While the first movie, Elizabeth, showing the young queen's early reign and rise to power, was subtle, powerful and beautiful this one seems disjointed, over-acted and all a bit melodramatic. It's still beautifully dressed and shot and Cate Blanchett's performance is outstanding but it just doesn't flow so well and seems to jump about. In an effort to show the queen's femininity and vulnerability it goes over the top at times and the strength and determination which were so attractive in Part One fizzle out to make her look like a weeping, jealous wreck in this which was quite annoying, Liberties have been taken (again) with what actually happened historically so for a quick factual update WIkipedia's worth a look if you're interested. This fills some time and is sumptuous to look at but feels like it was a bit cobbled together to cash in on the success of the first move. Nice, haunting musical score co-written by A R Rahman who did the soundtrack for Slumdog Millionaire, by the way.
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Not historically entirely accurate

By a customer , 26 Mar 2013

The chronology/timescales are really appreciated in this film. Whilst not an expert on Elizabeth I've read some historical books on her and was not entirely convinced by the overly emotional/resplendently dressed character played in this film. I do like historic films like this as they give some insight into the times, however, they struggle to capture the really big picture. Also note there was only one historical researcher who specialises in American/Military history - what about all the specialists in our own Country on Elizabeth's reign!?
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Cate Blanchett does it again.

By Treebod (3 reviews) , 17 Feb 2013

I am of the opinion that Cate Blanchett has made this role her own,brilliant! and along with the other great performances make this an interesting & entertaining film well worth watching. A rare chance to watch a good film well acted & learn something into the bargain.
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Like the Armada ... big, expensive, clueless

By Oldbloke (308 reviews) from Sidmouth , 02 Oct 2012

In the early 1580's, Philip of Spain is getting increasingly peeved with the heretic witch Queen of England and resolves to replace her with imprisoned Mary Stuart. The continuing story of England's greatest monarch, who presided over arguably the most exciting, colourful, dangerous times in English history. Unfortunately, this is a tedious, stupid movie that wastes some nice costumes and a lot of genuine talent obsessing about Elizabeth's continued virginity and very little else. Quite honestly, Nick Park could produce a more truthful convincing portrayal of the times ... in plasticine. I was rooting for the Spanish by the end.
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A Must See Movie

By a customer , 05 Jul 2012

Captivating movie! Cate Blanchett does justice to the role. Action scenes are realistic and kept me enthralled to the end. I would reccomend to anyone interested in history and costume drama. Ms Blanchett's dresses were amazing:).
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