Elizabeth **** (out of 5) (1998)

Cast: Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, Joseph Fiennes, Richard Attenborough

Directed by Shekhar Kapur

 

The historical drama of how Elizabeth I ascended to her throne. A Protestant bastard daughterin a religiously divided England is in line to succeed the ailing Mary Tudor. Death threats abound by the devout Catholics who will do anything to keep a Protestant woman from taking power. Elizabeth has a rocky go at the rulership, as many factions and other competing countries want her dead for political reasons, and she finds it increasingly hard to know who to trust.

Not the stuffy costume drama I was expecting, playing more like a stylish and suspenseful political intrigue than your typical Academy Award-type fair. That's not to say the acting, costumes and sets aren't good...they are outstanding. Top-notch actors and superb direction by Indian director Kapur. Cate Blanchett is the real highligh here, and was probably robbed of her Oscar by Gwyneth Paltrow for SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE. Ah well. It's a compelling story that will keep you interested despite Elizabeth's well-known and oft told history. I wonder if Elizabeth II will be the sequel?

Back to Qwipster's Movie Reviews

 

 

 

<