Synopsis: Growing keenly aware of the changing religious and political tides of late 16th century Europe, Queen Elizabeth finds her rule openly challenged by the Spanish King Philip II—with his powerful army and sea-dominating armada—determined to restore England to Catholicism. Preparing to go to war to defend her empire, Elizabeth struggles to balance ancient royal duties with an unexpected vulnerability in her love for Sir Walter Raleigh.
Raleigh remains forbidden for a queen who has sworn body and soul to her
country. Unable and unwilling to pursue her love, Elizabeth encourages
her favorite lady-in-waiting, Bess, to befriend Raleigh to keep him
near. But this strategy forces Elizabeth to observe their growing
intimacy. As she charts her course abroad, her trusted adviser, Sir
Francis Walsingham (Rush), continues his masterful puppetry of Elizabeth's
court at home—and her campaign to solidify absolute power.
Through
an intricate spy network, Walsingham uncovers an assassination plot
that could topple the throne. But as he unmasks traitors that may
include Elizabeth's own cousin Mary Stuart, he unknowingly sets England
up for destruction.
DVD Features:
The Reign Continues: Making Elizabeth
Commanding the Winds: Creating the Armada
Inside Elizabeth's World
Towers, Courts and Cathedrals
Audio Commentary
Critique:
This film is all but epic in its portrayal of the later part of Queen Elizabeth's rule. Not only is she a strong and wise ruler, she is a weak and fallible human being. It is her strength of character that allowed Elizabeth to soar like an eagle over the many who ruled England before and after her.
The story is whittled with hearty words, magnificent costumes, scenery and sets. The acting is superb and the poetic symbolism drips from the screen. Blanchett is royalty in her portrayal, followed closely by her fellow castmates.
The bonus features on the DVD disc are a great compliment to the production, including cast and crew interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, audio commentary, etc. The information about this filmic creation is just as interesting as the movie, providing many insights to the painful detail the filmmakers went into to recreate this dramatic moment in time.
Final Analysis: A great selection for anyone that likes a good story, great acting, magical sets and fabulous acting.
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Feature Articles
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