Elizabeth Details

Elizabethan politics and intrigue

After the death of Henry VIII, England was left in a state of political and religious turmoil. The exchequer was empty and the army was weak. Meanwhile, the Catholic powers of France, Spain and the Vatican circled the country and court, eager to burn heretics, advance their own interests, and ensure that England was saved for the Church of Rome.

As a non-Catholic, Elizabeth (Cate Blanchett, who might have been born for the role) was in danger even before she ascended to the throne. This film traces her transition from princess to Queen, and explores how she and her advisers -- notably her spymaster, Francis Walsingham (excellently portrayed by Geoffrey Rush, with a couple of scenes of exquisite ruthlessness) -- confront these threats and ultimately destroy their enemies in a counter-coup of stunning speed and ferocity: the first night of the long knives, perhaps.

The story is seamlessly interwoven with Elizabeth's tragic love for Robert Dudley (Joseph Fiennes), who you might remember from history lessons at school :-)

Personally, I found it engrossing and thought-provoking. It brought home, for example, that there was a time when the Pope was considered such a threat (watch the film and compare his actions to the way certain fundamentalists are motivated today!) that to this day it remains constitutionally inconceivable that a British monarch should be subordinate to Rome.

If you enjoy well-acted historical drama, don't mind a little dramatic embellishment, and like a bit of complexity in your movies, then this will probably appeal.

[Highly rated reviewer]

We are both now looking forward to the next offering. 9/10

I watched at least part of this film some years ago but could barely remember it and as my tastes in films has developed and following the release of the next chapter, the Golden Age I decided the original Elizabeth to be essential viewing, by the end I had no regrets. Elizabeth was beautifully filmed and intelligently directed making for a really compelling nights viewing, although the story may not be a direct and accurate reflection of the history books it was still very good and provided a fascinating glimpse into an era full of tales and history. Elizabeth moved at a good pace for a drama and boasts an impressive cast all of which acted admirably in my opinion. To be honest it was difficult to fault this film. My wife had seen Elizabeth all the way through more recently but was clearly captivated the second time around and we are both now looking forward to the next offering. Sir Francis Walsingham was a useful chap to have around in a sticky situation! 9/10. 5 Stars.