If this were done in the language of the time, it probably would be a classic. Cate Blanchett is a marvelous Queen Elizabeth I. The film begins circa 1558, just before the death of her sister Mary and her coronation as queen. The story covers approximately the first five years of her 45-year reign and her evolution from girl to queen. I am not a historian, but from what I have read, the plot line accurately depicts the bloody clash between the two religions and the solution of most problems during this period by murder. Goeffrey Rush as Sir Francis Walsingham, the nasty queen's henchman, is more subtle, but an equal match for her enemy, The really nasty Duke of Norfolk played by Christopher Eccleston. Joseph Fiennes as Sir Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester and the queen's lover does an outstanding job of being disgustingly subservient as well as a mite conniving. It's ironical that he also plays Shakespeare in the popular Shakespeare in Love, since it was Elizabeth who funded some of Shakespeare's important work during 1590-1600, at the end of her reign. No one in this story gets awards for being nice, especially not the pope, played by the perennial butler, John Gielgud, who puts out a contract on the queen. So, if you know anything about this period of history, you should be ready for some bloody scenes. But, if you like period films with great acting that try to accurately portray medieval court intrigue, I recommend this movie.

2002-12-13