enjoyable film, but...

Rating: 7/10 (7 February 2008)

This film is entertaining and the acting for the most part is excellent. For a period film, Elizabeth, The Golden Age, is recommended. If the film has any weakness, it would be the acting of Clive Owen. Owen dresses the part and fits the part but he does not carry the part. Owen's lines are delivered cold and without emotion; Owen's acting talent is limited and this film proves it.
The costumes in Elizabeth, The Golden Age, deserve a commendation. The accuracy of the historical facts of Elizabeth's reign are fairly accurate but not clearly portray the Elizabeth history knows.
Mary is 16 years older than Elizbeth but in this film, it is clearly overlooked. In addition, there is no reference to the pregnancy of Mary which would have played an important part in her life and death under the hands of Elizabeth.
The final demise of Mary is clearly misrepresented in this film. Elizabth certainly had no love for Mary and did not have misgivings for her death, Elizabeth did not wish to be attached to the death of Mary and had her secretary handle the event.
In conclusion, this film is spinning many stories and the average movie goer should do some reading before viewing.