Not just Movie Real

Rating: Null/10 (11 May 2008)

"Elizabeth  the Golden Age" (2007): I think it's fair to first mention what I said about "Elizabeth" (1998): "I continue to be amazed at the early, huge talent of Blanchett, surrounded by the talents of other actors, set in this world of stone and silk, blood and wine, golden crowns and poisoned gowns. Every time I see this film, I like it more. Perhaps it's not as huge in scope as "Lawrence of Arabia", but of equal quality when it comes to being a character study. It just doesn't get any better than this. The transformation of a girl into a woman into a reluctant, then resigned, then powerful queen, surrounded by liars, schemers and self-centered fools, is powerful history enough. Add the very best acting, sets, & costumes that feel REAL (not Movie-real), and a point that never veers away from it's goal, and I've got a film I'll see numerous times. Cate Blanchett is the best." Now: "Elizabeth  the Golden Age" is a great followup effort. All I've said about the latter applies to this one, and I add that the shift from the first "dark" film to this, a film full of light, is an interesting visual symbol for the changes in England (not to mention the darkening of Spain). This part of the story is "grander"  bigger  with huge events  less about the growth of Elizabeth, and more about England and its goals. It DOES get personal, but all is repeatedly set aside for the sake of what was seen as British destiny. This would make a wonderful double feature.