Better than the first one

Rating: 8/10 (14 October 2007)

I was a bit wary going into this sequel as I did not care for the historical inaccuracies of the first movie. Perhaps I was better prepared for them this time, but overall I found The Golden Age a lot more satisfying. Melodramatic and a bit soap-opera-ish at times, but Blanchett gives a powerful performance once again. The cinematography is beautiful as well. I was disappointed, however, that not all of the famous "heart of a king" speech was used. In fact those very famous lines were left out ! I would love to know why... Plus, all the palace interiors were a bit too obviously shot in cathedrals. But oh happy day, there was NOT a scene of Elizabeth meeting Mary Queen of Scots! I am so tired of that particular inaccuracy being done by Hollywood. Now I am going to read up more on the Spanish Armada and probably be aghast at all the inaccuracies in the movie that I had overlooked! Still, it is a movie worth seeing, especially if you love Good Queen Bess.