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Cate Blanchett received Oscar nominations for both Elizabeth movies, and her performance in this movie is just as good as in the first. Yet, somehow, this movie just did not move my heartstrings like the first one did. Elizabeth in this movie is older and is still fighting possible assassination attempts by unhappy Catholics. But she is confident and refuses to persecute anyone. Eventually, she is forced to sign a death warrant for Mary Stuart (Samantha Morton), who seems more of a threat than in any previous movie that I have ever seen the Mary Stuart character. Geoffrey Rush is back as Lord Wallingsley, Elizabeth's main adviser. His character this time is a supporting role to Sir Walter Raleigh (Clive Owen), who in this movie becomes Elizabeth's main love interest--especially after he has returned from the New World with gifts and tells the Queen that the new colony has been named Virginia in honor of her virginity. (There is even the puddle scene where Raleigh throws his cloak in the mud so that Elizabeth does not have to get her feet and skirt muddy. However, he is not that devoted to her because he says that she tries to CONTROL everything. And he is far more attracted to Elizabeth's lady in waiting, Bess (Abbie Cornish). And we see again that Elizabeth has an illusion that she is the Anglican version of the Blessed Virgin Mary and is married to her country. When there is an assassination attempt, we even see Elizabeth in a striking prayerful pose similar to the Virgin Mary's. While the historical facts may not be exactly right, the story is good but leads to the finale that we all learned in high school world history. There are several special features that merit your attention on this DVD. The cinematography is beautiful, the costumes are exquisite, the music is wonderful, and the sets are beautiful--all worthy of a Queen. The special features explain all of this, and they are well worth watching. This is not a bad movie--just one that is paler to the original.Read full review
The movie featured great acting but was not so great on historical detail. It was not as good as the first one but I still enjoyed it. Cate Blanchett is wonderful as the queen and all the acting is superb as well as the costumes and scenery. If you like British historical pieces you’ll like this one. Just don’t count on it as an accurate historical representation. Although much of what was portrayed did happen in some form or another, much of the period’s history was not accurately woven in . I liked it a lot anyway!
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Nearly a decade after Cate Blanchett drew the attention of audiences and critics alike with ELIZABETH, the Oscar-winning actress returns to the role of the Virgin Queen. Though the protestant ruler has been on the throne for decades in 1585, Elizabeth I's reign is still under attack from both inside her country and from the continent. Her cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots (Samantha Morton), carries the favor of the nation's Catholics as she schemes for the throne from prison, while Spain's King Philip II (Jordi Molla) plots an invasion with the power of his famous armada. But Elizabeth is also concerned with the arrival of Sir Walter Raleigh (Clive Owen), a charming pirate and adventurer. Unable to reconcile her feelings with her crown, she encourages Bess (Abbie Cornish), her beloved lady-in-waiting, to pursue a relationship with Raleigh. Nine years haven't dulled Blanchett's ability to play this--or any other--character with an impressive range of fire and tenderness. Her chemistry with the infinitely watchable Owen is one of the film's highlights. As in ELIZABETH, director Shekhar Kapur doesn't restrict himself from using artfully constructed shots that aren't normally used in period dramas. It's a modern retelling of history, and Kapur and his director of photograpy, Remi Adefarasin, aren't content to let the film have the standard look of many films in the genre. Costume designer Alexandra Byrne follows the same logic, creating stunning dresses for Elizabeth that draw inspiration both from modernity and the time period. If Blanchett weren't such a gifted actress, the gorgeous costumes might threaten to overtake her as the star of the film. Loved this movie Cate Blanchett has out done herself again. Nothing negative to say scenery great love it a must if you have the Elizabeth DVD... {Mrs. puman}Read full review
Two faiths, two empires, two rulers, colliding in 1588. Papist Spain wants to bring down the heretic Elizabeth. Philip is building an armada but needs a rationale to attack. With covert intrigue, Spain sets a trap for the Queen and her principal secretary, Walsingham, using as a pawn Elizabeth's cousin Mary Stuart, who's under house arrest in the North. The trap springs, and the armada sets sail, to rendezvous with French ground forces and to attack. During these months, the Virgin Queen falls in love with Walter Raleigh, keeping him close to court and away from the sea and America. Director Kapur interestingly puts dramatic and chilling appeal and emphasis on Elizabeth's Golden Age to reveal her personality and struggles to keep her throne and save her country from falling into the hands of conspirators and invaders. Blanchett is magnificent in her strange, enigmatic and multi-dimensional character, constantly faced with the challenges of her foes plotting and counter-plotting to take her down at her Court, in her government, and, from foreign lands. This movie does entertain, sending me on a delightfully exciting spell-bound journey to separate legend and myths from historical facts. This movie makes English history fun to browse all over again.Read full review
Cate blanchette is a class act anyway and in these she shines brilliantly, rages believably and loves feircly two men and of course her people. I have watched more times than i can count and will watch yet again i know! The sets are to be seen again and again with so much authentic detail and care. Geoffry Rush is spellbinding to me as well. ABSOLUTE MUST HAVE for anyone even thinking about it! ***also its good to know that there are only a few scenes in both movies combined youd have to be concerned with in my protective moms opinion, i watched for myself first so i knew where.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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