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I have all Queen Elizabeth I DVD's starring Cate & Helen and love them all. Cate I prefer as young Elizabeth & Helen in Elizabeth's later reign. In this DVD Jeremy Irons appeared to me to be struggling playing this role: a sharp contrast to the actor who played her French suitor--now he had intensity. I am normally a big fan of Jeremy Irons especially when he plays sex addicted roles. But, in this DVD I found myself watching him act rather than enjoy him playing his role. And, in this DVD Helen appeared less attractive--somewhat tired to me for the most part. I am glad I own it because of having the other DVD's starring both actresses and it helps to understand the succession of relationships Elizabeth had. For that reason I recommend this DVD and her French suitor ladies--in this DVD --is believable and very easy on the eyes!!!Read full review
I need to see and read everything about Elizabeth, so its all entertaining to me. I'm giving it 3 stars but I agree w/ another reviewer that this particular dramatization leans heavy on her men & relationships w/ them. This is no reflection on Helen Mirren, she and Jeremy Irons are believable and excellent. But, for example, the Armada, one of the most pivotal battles in Euro history, gets about 5 minutes in the movie. She gives her Tilbury speech to the towns folk in the square, but historical eyewitness accounts are clear that she gave the speech to the troops at Tilbury Fort. those kinds of discrepancies are baffling. For an Elizabeth junkie, yes, I'm glad I bought it and watched it because I need to see everything, so I give it 3 stars. But in the end I compare other dramatizations to Kate Blanchett's Elizabeth and sequel Elizabeth-Golden Age, which have the most impressive production quality, set design, wardrobes, casting, and realism. Their problem was they only had 2 hrs of cinema time to tell the story so some events in the Blanchett movies are not historically or chronologically precise. If you can forgive that, then no question you should watch both of those for the most visually satisfying and mesmerizing portrayal, in my opinion.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Any lover of European history will appreciate this film. It focuses on the relationship between England's Queen Elizabeth I (Helen Mirren) and her dearest friend and most constant lover, the Earl of Leicester (Jeremy Irons), and with her later favorite the Earl of Essex (Hugh Dancy). Irons is superb as Liecester, bringing a real insight into this powerful nobleman, and Dancy does a fine job portraying the overreaching Essex. However, the real center of this piece is Helen Mirren's portrayal of Elizabeth. She brings a real humanity to the role that no other actress has approached, and given the quality of the actresses who have acted this role you can appreciate the height of this praise. You not only see the Queen with all of her political brilliance and regal temperment; you also are allowed a glimpse into the personality, emotions, doubts, and womanhood of this dominant ruler at the height of her powers. Particularly revealing is the struggle Elizabeth undergoes with the deciding of the fate of her cousin and sister queen, Mary Queen of Scots. The entire supporting cast is also excellent, as is the direction of this Hbo mini-series. The costumes are realistic and at times spectacular, and the settings, both indoors and out, are also realistic and vital to this excellent portrayal. I would also note that the lighting, so often over or under-utilized in modern filmaking, is exquisite. Particularly effective was the lighting inside the royal palace which beautifully created mood, tone, time and place. I give this HBO production, which won 9 Emmys and 3 Golden Globe awards, my highest recommendation.Read full review
If you love historical costume dramas, this is it.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Pretty accurate on the later years of Queen Elizabeth I later years.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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