Elizabeth Reviews

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.

Beautiful film

I am a tudor buff so have seen most films protraying this era, however this is the best! It is so beautifully crafted and as we know the story of Elizabeths climb to the throne is very exciting, well you really get a tense feeling of the fear all people must have felt in this period.

All the most magnificent actors are in the film, the casting inspired. Kate Blanchett is Elizabeth personified!!

A must see film whether you are interessted in the era or not.

First-Class Performances

Elizabeth is one of those films that you have to sit down and watch when you are in a thoughtful mood.

Being a historical piece it has to follow quite a convoluted path, this was presented with; clarity; a great script; wonderfully enigmatic actors; good cinematography; and good editing. BTW: The costumes are amazing too.

With regards to actors; Cate is so incredible in this role, it was made for her; Joseph Fiennes is delicious (as his character dictates - Easy girls!); Kelly Macdonald (AKA 'Diane' from Train Spotting), has a well performed small role; Geoffrey Rush is flawless, every move delivers with precision; Christopher Eccleston (now known for 'Doctor Who' Series 1) you will not recognise him, he gives an impressive performance as the traitor; and lastly Kathy Burke delivers Queen Mary Tudor in her usual gritty style.

Also… Eric Cantona????? He does well for a footballer but does stick out like a sore thumb.

Overall a great cast with first-class performances.

dramatised, not based on truth

I rented 'Elizabeth' as I was studying the period of Elizabeth I in history. I found the narrative of the film disappointing as it only covered the early part of her reign and changed the dates of events for increased drama. However, historical fact aside, the film is good to watch. It's not afraid to depict the ruthlessness of Elizabeth's time, and the acting is good across the cast.

Visual masterpiece.

Despite an overwhelming use of 'artistic license' this film is visually stunning, hugely entertaining and beautifully made with a terrific musical score. Don't be too disappointed if it is historical accuracy you seek, the romantic sub-plot does somewhat diminish and undermine the immense turning point which the Elizabethan era marked in our heritage, but there is far more to 'Elizabeth' than a 'mock'period romantic drama. The acting is superb, with a stunning performance by one of the worlds' most versatile and challenging actresses in Ms Blanchett, Christopher Eccleston plays the menacing villain with eerie passion and Geoffrey Rush lurks sinisterly in the background as the Queen's silent protector and 'third eye'. Kathy Burke is wonderful as the tragic and self-deluding Queen Mary in an unusual and poignant performance.The film is not entirely devoid of historical accuracy however and effectively demonstrates the dangerous and at times terrifying catholic/protestant power struggle, albeit heavily prejudiced in favour of the protestants, demonising the catholics to an almost slapstick level. It is gripping to watch however, and magnificently portrays the transition of a young, naive Elizabeth into a truly formidable, perceptive and wise leader who through self-sacrifice and against seemingly insurmountable odds, achieved so much in her lifetime. Highly recommended.

Atmospheric

This was very watchable and brought you into the cold sinister dirty smelly world of Elizabethan England. The acting was convincing and the sets and costumes were great.

The plot was a bit thin and contrived but the quality of the production made it a very watchable and gripping movie.

Much expected - little delivered

Much was expected from this film but I hadn't considered who had written it - Michael Hirst. Not exactly history the way I know it and I guess if you want historical accuracy you'll read a book but somehow I just felt that this film went nowhere and seemed to miss the point with boredom setting in within a few minutes of the opening titles, although the film has both pace and stunning visuals.

The problem I had with this film was that Mr Hirst (as a writer) to me always seems to skirt around an issue without dealing with it head on. In common with his recent TV series 'The Tudors', both historical accuracy and his seeming inability to get to the point left me feeling frustrated at the film instead of being able to get into it.

I suppose that what it all comes down to is whether or not you like Hirsts' style of writing. For me I always now avoid anythng written by him!

Elizabeth

Splendid in every sense of the word.

[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.

Elisabeth

Just had finished the book 'The other Boleyn girl' and I thought it was the perfect flim to follow. I enjoyed it as a continuation to the book and probably will get the film sequel to Elisabeth to go on with History, but I felt I was most of the time waiting for more action, that never happenned.

In general good.