The making of a queen

Rating: 8/10 (6 December 2003)

"Elizabeth" is a ravishing, sumptuous, and very Hollywoodish telling of the early years of Elizabeth I who inherited a broken England at age 25, secured her tenuous grasp on the throne amidst treachery from all corners, consolidated her monarchy to become one of history's most notable rulers, and sowed the seeds which sprouted into a prosperous global empire. Praised by public and critics alike with a brace of awards as testament to its value, "Elizabeth: The Virgin Queen" sports a fine cast, offers high end production value, and has little to fault for those who don't mind an infusion of creativity with their history. Good stuff for fans of the players and those interested in the history of the British monarchy. (B+)