Historically shaky, visually stunning

Rating: 9/10 (11 November 1998)

Having heard a lot of negative comments about this film, I went along purely on the strength of the largely British cast and what I knew of their previous work. I wasn't disappointed. Kapur's direction is a little irritating at times (a few too many overhead shots), but the film looks fantastic and the music, although perhaps not always from the right period, fits the visuals perfectly. Cate Blanchett is a stunning Elizabeth, although I feel the insistence of the film to focus on the early part of her reign is a little disappointing. And why no mention of Essex, Drake, or even Mary Queen of Scots, except in passing? Best performances come from Chris Eccleston, Geoffrey Rush, and Richard Attenborough, but everyone has their moments and no one lets the cast down. Well worth seeing.