42 out of 42 people found the following review helpful:

Elizabethan politics and intrigue

Huwie from Dyfed, 30th November, 2003

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.

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10 out of 10 people found the following review helpful:

Beautiful film

Birchie from London, 2nd November, 2004

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.

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8 out of 8 people found the following review helpful:

First-Class Performances

CV from Kent, 22nd November, 2005

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.

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8 out of 10 people found the following review helpful:

dramatised, not based on truth

inspiredbyfilm from Beds, 2nd July, 2005

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.

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A film that changes your view of the virgin queen

WessexMan from , 21st February, 2010

I don't know how true to history this film is, but it is a moving evocation of the trials and tribulations of Elizabeth, who brought her country to greatness. It portays her as a spirited, amorous woman, intent on seeking pleasure for herself, but in the end defeated in this by the politics of the Tudor court, but rising above her defeat. Beautifully filmed and acted. Cate Blanchett, not previously one of my favourite actors, makes the film. She is superb. Ther are cameos, some surprising, like Eric Cantona (!) as the French Ambassador, and some very disappointing, like Richard Attenborough, as Sir William Cecil, who he plays very woodenly. Kathy Burke (once again !) is brilliant as Mary Tudor, Elizabeth's predecessor on the throne. Brilliant!

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Overhyped.

A Customer from Leicester, 15th November, 2009

I'd caught the first 40 minutes or so of this film on television a few months ago, and was very much looking forward to watching it in full. Cate Blanchett is excellent in the role of the queen, and Christopher Eccleston is a believable Norfolk, but other casting choices struck me as somewhat dubious. Joseph Fiennes is a weedy and needy Earl of Leicester, and Richard Attenborough hovers in the background being... Well, just being Richard Attenborough. As a whole, I was disappointed. The actual events are much more interesting than the dumbed-down version in the film. If you have any interest in the historical period, you will gain nothing from watching this.

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good film

A Customer from shetland scotland, 3rd October, 2009

good, well acted , informative movie.

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Elizabeth

Bots from , 3rd September, 2009

Very good film overall, with interest in the subject being the key to whether this will be a top choice for the viewer or merely another expensive looking costume drama. Elizabeth's early period of rule was well dramatised by an excellent cast, most notably Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, and Christopher Eccleston. Yet some gimmicky casting, such as Eric Cantona, didn't really pay off, the great footballer being more of a distraction to quality rather than an addition to it. Not as visually stunning or emotionally powerful as some historical dramas I could mention, but very good none the less, and well worth a rent.

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