Towering Blanchett Carries the Day!

Rating: 7/10 (2 December 1998)

Elizabeth the First's ascension to the throne has been reinvented as a Gothic Romance. There is no such thing as understatement here. More is definitely MORE!!! But it has a wonderful performance by Cate Blanchett, who grows and changes as we watch. And some solid support from Rush, Eccleston, Ardant, etc. Don't pay too much attention to total historical accuracy or the fuzzy script. It is very entertaining and fast-paced. And the production values, costumes, music (when not overwhelming the soundtrack) etc. are all quite good.