Terrible acting, screenplay and direction.

Best movie ever!

A brilliant film that helped define a genre

To all those who have watched it: I hope you enjoyed it as much as I do.

Yes, here we go again ! Hollywood hard at work putting its skew on British history. You can hear the American accents in this effort. Overall, the film is quite good, but it is NOT true to history, which MUST be taken into account. Children in particular (and viewers looking for a history lesson), need to be aware that this is a kind of partial-imaginary, made up, fictional version of the reign of Queen Elizabeth the First. It is a great shame that movie-makers, in particular those in Hollywood, will not stay with the known FACTS. I prefer Cate Blanchett as QE, rather than the vastly over-used and over-rated Helen Mirren (who apparently was given a Damehood for portraying both Elizabeths: silly). In my book, this flick rates 6/10, and while it is NOT "film perfection", I can recommend it ~ but ralways bear in mind that it is NOT true history and the script should have been so much better.

England is torn; do they do everything in their power to keep Elizabeth away from the throne, or do they put her on it? Queen Mary, Elizabeth's half sister, also decides it wouldn't be wise to give a Protestant the crown. She has Elizabeth arrested and taken to the Tower of London. But after Mary's death, Elizabeth is freed and crowned queen of England.As queen, Elizabeth is faced with the responsibility of settling the country's religious disputes, her goal being to return England to its former Protestant state. Though many opposed her, she succeeded. Her ever-changing relationship with Lord Robert Dudley was a further complication. Elizabeth proves herself to be wise, selfless, and committed when she gives up her love and declares herself "married to England." After rejecting several marriage offers, relentless attempts to dethrone and even kill her are made. With neighboring countries rapidly building up their military forces, she commands to see England's increased, which has disastrous consequences. Their insufficiently trained men are quickly defeated, which proves to be part of a plan to have Elizabeth's crown taken away. But, with Sir Francis Walsingham at her side, she deceives and assassinates Mary of Guise, the leader behind the attacks. She also quells another plot involving the priests of Rome and even Lord Dudley, executing every conspirator other than him. She allows him to remain alive as a reminder to never allow herself to be blinded again.The cinematography in this movie was exquisite, with unique shots, beautiful costumes, and wonderful acting. My attention was unwavering throughout the whole film.

after its end, the first word for define it is beautiful. a comfortable verdict . because its beauty sources are many, different, fascinating and seductive. first - the desire of Shekhar Kapur to say a different story. about a so known subject. the atmosphere . the acting - the performance of Sir John Gielgud in a small role is a good example -, the costumes, the cinematography - few memorable scenes -, the realistic transformation of a young girl in the great queen. sure, few scenes are not credible and almost fake but it is a film who has the rare gift to give the flavor of a period in the most realistic manner. sure, it is far to be a masterpiece but it is more then a good film or a seductive one. it is an open window to the respiration of a time, small map of the challenges of power's conquest and responsibilities. and, not the least, it has a precious virtue to propose a different Elizabeth. one of the most interesting.

It's 1554 England. Henry VIII is dead. The Catholic Queen Mary is burning Protestants. Her half-sister Elizabeth (Cate Blanchett) is a threat to her crown and is imprisoned. Duke of Norfolk (Christopher Eccleston) is the heavy-handed henchman desperate to get the dying Queen to sign Elizabeth's death warrant. Elizabeth is in love with Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester (Joseph Fiennes). After gaining the throne, she faces challenges from Norfolk, Mary Queen of the Scots and others from outside the country. Her main counsel William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley (Richard Attenborough) urges her to marry well to protect the throne. Francis Walsingham (Geoffrey Rush) returns from exile to be her adviser. After a defeat to Mary of Guise, she must consider Mary's wild nephew Duc d'Anjou (Vincent Cassel). This is more than a costume drama. Director Shekhar Kapur brings an urgency to the proceedings. The deadly politics is more thrilling than a massive battle. Cate Blanchett is beyond brilliant. It's her first breakout role. She fits the role perfectly as a princess working her way to becoming a great queen.