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Prodcut Description: [More Information ...] One of the big Elizabethan-era films of 1998, Shekhar Kapur's Elizabeth serves up a brimming goblet of religious tension, political conspiracy, sex, violence, and war. England in 1554 is in financial and religious turmoil as the ailing Queen "Bloody" Mary attempts to restore Catholicism as the national faith. She has no heir, and her greatest fear--that her Protestant half-sister Elizabeth will assume the throne after her death--is realized. Still, the late Queen Mary has her loyalists. The newly crowned Elizabeth finds herself knee-deep in dethroning schemes while also dodging assassination attempts. Her advisers (including Sir William Cecil, superbly played by Richard Attenborough) beg her to marry any one of her would-be suitors to stabilize England's empire. No matter that she already has a lover. The passionate Robert Dudley (Joseph Fiennes) is married, however, and shows he cannot stand up to the growing strength of the Queen. With the help of her aide Walsingham (Geoffrey Rush), Elizabeth strikes against her enemies before they get to her first. But her rise ultimately entails rejecting love and marriage to redefine herself as the indisputable Virgin Queen. Cate Blanchett's Oscar-nominated performance as the naive and vibrant princess who becomes the stubborn and knowing queen is both severe and sympathetic. Her ethereal, pale beauty is equal parts fire and ice, her delivery of such lines as "There will be only one mistress here and no master!" expressed with command rather than hysterics. As striking as Blanchett's performance is the film's lavish and dramatic production design. The cold, dark sets paired with the lush costuming show the golden age of England's monarchy emerging from the Middle Ages. Rich velvet brushes over the dank stones while power is achieved at any price, and with such attention to physical detail, Elizabeth fully immerses you into its compelling chronicle of pioneering feminism and revisionist history. --Shannon Gee
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Elizabeth - The Golden Age (Widescreen Edition) Anne of the Thousand Days / Mary, Queen of Scots Elizabeth I The Tudors - The Complete First Season Pride & Prejudice The Other Boleyn Girl Beowulf The Pianist Shakespeare in Love (Miramax Collector's Series) The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Reviews:
Elizabeth It has been about 4 days since I have seen the movie and can't remember that much about this one. I guess that tells how much I liked the movie. It was ok and the special effects were ok as well. I would however recommend Elizabeth: The Golden Age over this one anytime. I still would recommend buying the cheapest version of either movie since I don't think you will remember either one for a long time. I did give the Golden Age higher marks as it did have a better storyline. Amazing movie Cate Blanchett does an amazing job as Queen Elizabeth. This movie focuses on young Elizabeth, following her unlikely rise to power and her struggle to hold on to her crown. This movie does take some liberties with the truth and plays with the debate of if Elizabeth was really a virgin or not. But the essence of who Princess/Queen Elizabeth was and what it was like for her to fight for her crown is captured in this amazing movie. All the actors did a fantastic job and thi smovie has exceptional replayability. I've watched it numerous times. I highly recommend this for anyone who is a fan of this era or a fan of Cate Blanchett. She does a fantastic job. Completely believable as the young Elizabeth. "Elizabeth" reigns supreme on film. Every aspect of this film is flawless. All period films should use this one as an example of how to bring history to life.
I can't speak much about the plot that hasn't already been discussed to death here and Amazon itself has done a decent job recapping the basics of this story. I'll resort to my simple Hits and Misses on this one:
The HITS:
1. This film is flawlessly acted by all. While Cate Blanchett dominates the screen and well-earned her Oscar nomination that year, Geoffrey Rush and the suburb, but under appreciated Sir Richard Attenborough (The Great Escape, A Passage To India and Jurassic Park) are outstanding in their supporting roles as is the rest of the terrific cast.
2. Exquisite photography, costume design, and settings bring this period piece to life. No detail seems missed. The audience is immersed in the era.
3. Historically speaking, the film is rather accurate although the whole situation with Elizabeth's lover is conjecture base upon quite a lot of hearsay (but may be correct).
4. This film is lovingly directed. The director let's the plot and the actors actually tell the story in a fashion that is unobtrusive.
5. The script is pure gold and provides the brilliant foundation for this outstanding film.
The Misses:
I couldn't find a thing wrong with this film. When I said it was flawless, I meant it. Of course, that's just my opinion. very pleased with the product the product was delivered on time, very good condition. There is nothing else that could have been done for more satisfaction. Excellent for Anglofiles For those keeping up wtih the history of England this is a must have for Anglofiles. Cate Blanchett does a wonderful job (as did Helen Mirren) portraying young Queen Elizabeth. |
Keyword: Video,
Description: Elizabeth -1998-

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