Rijndri
Load of rubbish!!
MusicChat
It's complicated... I really like the directing, acting and writing but, there are issues with the way it's shot that I just can't deny. As much as I love the storytelling and the fantastic performance but, there are also certain scenes that didn't need to exist.
WillSushyMedia
This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.
Yana Yakimova
Elisabeth I wasn't on my list of films but last night I was flicking through films available on channel 4 and came across it. I didn't expect much but what a treat this mini series was! I now can't think of a better person than Helen Mirren to play Elisabeth I. From the very start she kept me captivated by her flawless acting, beautiful dresses and wit. Her golden speech "I know I have the body but of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too" is there, and it's marvelously delivered to her people and you believe that they bought it. Mirren was so fantastic, it almost feels as if she surpassed Elizabeth I. I think even a person with the least interest in history would enjoy this semi in series.
Ania
I don't ever feel compelled to tell what films are about, and I have my own reasons that are very important to my audience having their own experience. Minus the expectations we hope. Helen Miren gave a magnificent performance of a lifetime in this film. Thats according to me, but who cares. She was outstanding in this role, believable, real, and she embodied this queen with heart and soul. I was prompted to buy the DVD and watch again. Even on my computer this film is good. There were things I had forgotten, and scenes I don't remember seeing. I was in awe the second time around. I love this film. I know thats not new about me, but I happen to choose my films wisely. Jeremy Iorns is just good in my book, and the young Essex was wonderful. There was a lot of true to life acting in this film in my observation of people, and studying the psychology of the human condition. Watch this with time to relax, and enjoy it.
ma-cortes
The aging Queen Virgin-Helen Mirren is magnificent in the title role of this television drama . She's constantly besieged by court intrigue and political machinations . Elizabeth had learnt her political lessons in the years of intrigue before she became Queen , she was a brilliant stateswoman, managing a succession of parliaments so that she was loved as well as obeyed . She managed to restore England to power and glory amidst public and private confusion . This excellent historic drama recreates the wars ,loves , turmoil and struggle for power by Robert Dudley , Earl of Leicester and Robert Deveraux , Earl of Essex, whom the Queen Elizabeth I both loved and feared , and whose downfall she ultimately invoked . Elizabeth indeed proved to be her father's daughter as she must keep her head , her mother was Anne Boleyn , executed for alleged adultery . Meanwhile , she's dealing with Protestant religion , war with Spain ruled by Philip II and the vexing question of a political marriage to French prince . Elizabeth chose her advisers with consummate care , and she was well served by them . The first and best was William Cecil , 1st Baron Burghley , he stayed in office for forty years . The movie depicts the battle between the British ships led by Howard of Effingham and the Spanish Armada commanded by Duke of Medina Sidonia , it lasted ten days , during July 1588 . The film also talks about Mary Queen of Scots , well played by Barbara Flynn . She was imprisoned by Elizabeth , who rightly feared Catholic plots to place Mary on the throne . Mary was guilty of plots complicity and Elizabeth prepared her death warrant . However the Mary's affection for her lover , Lord Darnley , revived enough for them to produce a heir to the throne , the future James VI of Scotland and James I of England . Helen Mirren is awesome as Elizabeth I ; furthermore , Jeremy Irons is notable as Earl of Leicester and Hugh Dancy is equally outstanding as arrogant and ambitious count of Essex . Special mention for actors form the reign council members , as Patrick Malahide , Toby Jones and Ian McDiarmid . Wonderful colorful cinematography adds to the atmosphere but it does help to know some history in order to keep the interesting plot . Director Tom Hooper (John Adams) takes a brilliant look at the turbulent life of famous Queen of England from her troublesome days and machinations surrounding her reign . Other renditions about this known Queen are the followings : ¨Elizabeth¨ (1998) with Cate Blanchet , Joseph Fiennes , directed by Shekar Kapur ; ¨Elizabeth R¨ directed by Herbert Wise (72 ,TV) with Bette Davis; ¨Elizabeth the Queen¨ (68,TV) with Judith Anderson and Charlton Heston ; and classic version, ¨The Queen Virgin¨ by George Sidney with Jean Simmons and Stewart Granger and ¨The private lives of Elizabeth and Essex¨ by Michael Curtiz with Bette Davis and Errol Flynn , among others.
Bill Peter
I'm a big fan of the film "Elizabeth", but this TV production is better, and I cannot rate it highly enough. Being for TV works to its advantage, as they could pick the best "actor" for each part instead of a "star". For example, Patrick Malahide is far far better than Geoffrey Rush as Walshingham (spelling?). The only slight let-down was the Duke of Anjou. The actor in the old Cointreau advert (that dates me) had far more Gallic charm to woo Elizabeth than the actor here. The gore of punishment was handled well, including the two strokes to kill Mary, Queen of Scots - but what about the three to kill Essex? Unfortunately Helen Mirren, who was a real tour de force, has already done the sequel (Elizabeth II), so we haven't got that to look forward to. However, what about the long-promised film about Mary, Queen of Scots?
