A Golden Age...struggles of a Queen.

Rating: 7/10 (12 February 2008)

Cate Blanchett IS Queen Elizabeth I . Very aware of changing political and religious leanings in the late 1600s, Queen Elizabeth finds herself challenged by Spain. King Philip II(Jordi Molla) with his army and strong navy is determined to restore Catholicism to England. Elizabeth struggles to keep in check her straight-laced royal duties and a very unexpected relationship with the dashing seafaring man Sir Walter Raleigh(Clive Owen). She survives an assassination plot that uncovers traitors to the throne that includes her own cousin Mary Stuart(Samantha Morton). Sir Francis Walsingham(Geoffrey Rush)would continue his mastery of pulling strings to keep Elizabeth's power absolute. The Queen was considered by so many as cold and heartless; but down deep inside she really was a woman that wanted to be loved. Her enemies were destroyed and her position solidified as one of the most beloved icons of the western world. Beautifully photographed and Miss Blanchett no less than superior in her majestic role. Also in the cast: Susan Lynch, Aimee King, Rhys Ifans and Penelope McGhie.