This movie has both good and bad.

Rating: Null/10 (7 December 1998)

THE BAD: It is not EVEN close to being historically accurate. First off, the chronology is incorrect and some of the events depicted did not even occur until mid-way through her reign (like Norfolk's execution) and this movie only covered the beginning of her reign (but it's not very clear). Dudley was NOT her love at the time she ascended to the throne - Thomas Seymour was (and lost his life for his close proximity to her) and he never even got a mention! The threats against Elizabeth's life (i.e., poisoned dress, the darts on the boat) didn't occur. In reality there were so many plots against Elizabeth, (and they were all as deadly and just as 'hollywood-exciting' as the two covered in this movie), so why weren't factual ones used instead? Also, Elizabeth's 'transformation' into the virgin queen was a bit ridiculous. The white paste make-up was simply the fashion of the day, NOT an attempt to turn herself into an earthbound-diety. And her virgin status was a political tool she used to connect herself with purity since half the known world at the time considered her a bastard and a heretic. This movie could have been SO much better had anyone remotely connected with it taken the time to crack open a history book first! Elizabeth I was one of the most exciting monarchs to ever sit on a throne, let alone reign supremely and successfully in those turbulent times as she did for 45 years.
THE GOOD: The casting is brilliant. I got goosebumps during the coronoation scene - Cate Blanchette looks like every portrait I've ever seen of Elizabeth R's coronation. The acting is wonderful. And the costumes are glorious - eye candy for those of us fascinated by Elizabethan England. The sets were beautiful, but a bit confusing. Looked like most of it was filmed in a cathedral, however Tudor England is known for incredible woodwork craftsmanship (including walls, ceilings, furniture) and all we saw was stone gothic arches. Where was Whitehall Palace, Hampton Court or Hatfield? I loved that when candles were lit, the entire room didn't 'magically' light up as in most period movies, so it really helped created a sense of those times. The scenery was beautiful. I want to know where that huge old tree is located (in the scene where Elizabeth is told that Mary is dead and she is now queen). Even though I didn't enjoy the gross historical inaccuracies, I'd recommend the movie for these reasons alone (as long as you can suspend your knowledge of Elizabeth R's history).