Brilliant Historical Film

Rating: 9/10 (6 March 2003)

A truly engaging historical film that not only teaches you about this period of English history, but also serves up some extremely juicy drama. Galvanized by a star-making performance from Cate Blanchett as the young Queen, and interesting direction from Kapur, who seems to be channeling "The Godfather" trilogy more so than any Masterpiece Theater or Merchant-Ivory production. Elizabeth's transformation from naive princess to threatened and inexperienced monarch to absolute power is exquisitely handled by Blanchett. The only story arch that falls flat is the love story between Blanchett's "Elizabeth" and Joseph Fiennes' weaselly nobleman. The ending sequence of Blanchett commanding the throne and taking her vow of virginity and marriage to England itself in full Elizabethean regalia is one of the most classic scenes of recent times. A terrific production all around (it won an Oscar for costume design).