An acting triumph

Rating: Null/10 (9 April 2001)

This is an excellent movie if you are into period pieces, granted that the discrepancies between the movie and the historical facts are ignored by the viewer.It moves well, there is never a dull moment; interesting storyline, intrigue, romance, etc etc...Mr. Kapur put it all together well,and the movie contains spectacular costume and production designs. But most important of all, it totally belongs to the new acting godess, Cate Blanchett. (Finally there is a replacement for the grand-dame of acting, Meryl Streep. I would give anything to see those two in a movie together.) Ms. Blanchett embodies the Virgin Queen and creates a marvellous performance. Just watch the scene where she rehearses her upcoming address to the religious leaders of England; that scene and the subsequent one alone should have nailed her the academy award, had it been a fair world. She is a virtuoso actress and her transformation from an innocent passive scared sideliner into a shrewd leader and decision maker proves her range. She is also surrounded by some other marvellous performers. Kathy Burke is excellent as her ever suffering step sister, Geoffrey Rush holds his scenes well, and Joseph Fiennes, not only good to look at, but gives a sensitively rich performance... Do not miss this movie...