Elizabeth (DVD, 2007, Widescreen)

I liked the way this film started and ended. The middle, on the other hand, was filled (at times) with filler. By that I mean obligatory scenes which really lent nothing of major interest to the main story. In so doing, the film also managed to lose itself historically, so that you had to be a very well-informed viewer to keep up with who was who and what was happening and why. I can imagine the director saying to himself, "I'll make it an historically accurate piece....No, I won't, I'll make it into a love story and let the history stand aside a little....On second thoughts, I'd better keep the history strong....," and so on, never really deciding one way or the other. For a time, it was obvious that the temptation of rewriting history and according Lord Dudley Robert a greater place than was in fact his, passed through the director's mind. Shades of "Shakespeare in Love," indeed, where Joseph Fiennes played a somewhat similar role, but one which was more in keeping with the type of script, if not with the actual history.
It must have been difficult to avoid giving centre-stage time to characters like Norfolk and Walsingham. The latter, in the guise (if you will forgive me for saying so) of Elizabeth's eminence grise, was definitely overdone. Norfolk, besides acting out of character (I felt) on more than one occasion, gave up the ghost rather too easily, further strengthening the reputation of the "heretic" living at the queen's right arm. As for Gielgud's Pope, I think he must have enjoyed every minute of it (there were about four), but I didn't buy it at all.

I must say I especially liked the end of the film. After having proclaimed herself "mistress," there was, in a sense, nothing more to say. The final scene was very well done. Certainly, Elizabeth the First's subsequent reign was such that you could make several more movies about it. Overall, the film was pleasing without being great cinema. For its history, it's of some interest, but not if you are trying to peer into Elizabethan England for the first time. You really have to have some background to be able to appreciate the ins and outs of that particular court. Of recent films dealing with British royalty, "The Madness of King George" and "Mrs Brown" were both superior to this, with more depth and fewer unnecessary charades. "Elizabeth" is a four-star cinematic experience, I think, but not a strong one.

Lots of history here even for those who think they know all about it. This movie seems to tell it down to the Nitty-gritty. Cate Blanchett is superb in this role and it is an award-worthy perfomance. Joe Feinnes is a great Dudley and the movie showed how poor his judement was although I think he truly loved Elizabeth. However,in this film,I wish there had been an explanation about the death of Amy Robsart Dudley . I suppose the truth of that is quite unavailable over time.
This definitely worth seeing for history buffs and those who aren't.
The DVD was in wonderful shape and I was highly pleased withj the product.

This movie was really captivating. I loved the costumes and Cate was really a great actress. She is really beautiful, and does a great British accent! I love period pieces, and this was a great story. I also love to see women in power. Wish I could be queen!

Wonderful insight to one of the most exceptional leaders in history.
Cate Blanchette is stunning. The political intrigue and masterful diplomacy
between religious factions is compeling to say the least.

Must watch this Elizabeth before watching Elizabeth: The Golden Age. This Academy Award's selection started me becoming a interested fan of the Queen and her very exciting life before and after her throne. I had no ideal of her or her life and its struggles just to stay alive before and after her rise. The competition was policical between Spain and Mary Queen of Scots wanting to outst Elizabeth for their own gain and that of the Pope. I never believed a Pope in that era could be so evil as to send those to kill Elizabeth. This was a struggle between Protestant and Catholics. Elizabeth just believed that we all believe in GOD as he personally should, not because the ruling throne believes. That was heiracy to the Catholic's not conforming. Enough, I have said enough...purchase and enjoy the struggles of survival and leadership as it should be.