Rating: 
Summary: History does not steal the show, but that's not the point
Review: Personally, I believe that movies CANNOT be the exact same as the story it is based on, nor the book it is based on, etc. The fact that "Elizabeth" isn't much of a history lesson, but that's not the point; the point is for us to understand the woman behind that shell of white makeup, the person and soul that existed before she had cut out her heart for England in order to ignore her own desires and reign supreme. She is, indeed, just a shell, and Cate Blanchett brings the Queen to life; she takes us from the early days of the vibrant and delicate velvet glove to the often ruthless ironfist, delivering what I feel as the best performance for an actress in a leading role for 1998. There is outstanding support from Rush, Attenborough, Eccleston, and Fiennes. Filled with lavish costumes, an exhilarating soundtrack and exceptional cinematography (near the beginning, the camera revolves around Elizabeth intimidatingly as she is questioned, as if we are also in the conspiracy to get rid of her), "Elizabeth" is a sensational, epic masterpiece.
Rating:
Summary: "I Am Queen Now !"
Review: I am not exactly a fan of royalty, but I liked and have great praise for this film. I even had the feeling that, perhaps, The Academy of Arts and Sciences should have preferred it over "Shakespeare in Love" for their Best Picture Oscar Award, or/and, not just nominate, but elect Cate Blanchett as Best Actress Ex Equo with Gwyneth Paltrow !After all, both films are made in the (US/UK) English continuum, they walk us back in time to the same Golden Age of Queen Elizabeth I, they even share performers: Geoffrey Rush and Joseph Fiennes. Admittedly, "love conquers all" - we all empathize with lovers and a love story - but I believe it is Cate Blanchett the one who has a much greater burden: "becoming" the Queen of England ! Blanchett is convincing as the young 25 years old Elizabeth, daughter of Henry 8th, who, "on-the-job", and upon advise and help from trusted friends develops the maturity, experience, and sophistication absolutely necessary to play the role she was meant for: the greatest woman monarch of all times. Geoffrey Rush, playing Sir Francis Walsingham is equally convincing as her mentor, shrewd diplomat, and effective "secret service" agent. The conflict with the Church subordinated to the Vatican, the complicated and never predictable "political dance" with neighboring "superpowers" of the time, Spain and France, the more predictable conflict with men, such as The Duke of Norfolk, the costumes, the music, dances, the decoration - all are exquisitely laid out in front of us ! Blanchett brings to life, Elizabeth, a woman who has her own passions and more or less secret lovers (Robert Dudley Earl of Leicester, played by Fiennes - better performance opposite Gwyneth Paltrow), but, when she says "I am queen now !" she realizes she can never surrender (authority, control) to anyone, and has but one spouse: England ! Enjoy a great film !
Rating: 
Summary: Intense
Review: While the historical data may or may not be accurate, it is nonetheless, made believable in this film. It is emotionlly intense and captivating. A wonderfully interesting story about a historical figure we seldom hear about in the media. Wonderful acting, directing, costumes, and screenplay. It works very well. Educational and Inspiring.
Rating: 
Summary: Great movie, historical trash
Review: This movie acurately captures the flavor of the times, but is historical nonsense. One of my ancestors, Robert Dudley, comes out looking like a wimp, and the end says Elizabeth NEVER saw him again in private! Nonsense. The Earl of Leicestor remained the queens favorate until he died. There is so much historically wrong with this movie that I almost didn't buy it. But, then, as a movie it IS good. The acting, photography, and sound is near perfect. The actions of "Bloody Mary" at the beginning are right-on. Just don't write an historical report on Elizabeth's life based upon it.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding! ... even moreso if you are into couture/fabric
Review: If you love period films, this is for you! Terrific acting. And the costumes! I've seen my share of period films, and nothing comes even CLOSE to this film costume-wise! If you are a connoisseur of fine fabric/clothing, it's reason enough for you to see this film. I could NOT stop drooling over the costumes!
Rating:
Summary: I love historical movies such as this.
Review: It is a fine movie, and if you enjoy movies set in the past, then this movie is for you.
Rating:
Summary: Whatever you do - see this movie!
Review: This was hands down the best movie of 1999. The costumes were lush, the acting was fabulous, the story was full of wonderful intrigue. I love this movie more every time I see it - and I am up to 8 times now!
Rating:
Summary: Love, lust, and passion: the key factors.
Review: Elizabeth is a gripping drama that gives to its audience not only the life story of the first queen of England, Elizabeth, but also the traumatic decisions and choices that she made in order to keep her country together. Chock-full of haunting melodies by a great composer, filled with themes of love, hate, and treason, this one will definitely please anyone who has a passion for historical dramas. The DVD version is a hit: audio commentary about each scene gives a wonderful explanation of many underlying themes, the Dolby tracks are stupendous, and the images are clear, crisp and fresh. Cate Blanchett delivers a powerful performance, as does Joseph Fiennes and, as always, Geoffrey Rush. Rent it, buy it, whatever you do--- enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: To be or not to win
Review: Shakespeare In Love won many Oscars in the same year that this movie was released, which was a pity as though both are excellent in completely different ways, this film is much more worthy of your attention. Interestingly many actors appeared in both productions. All the actors here give stellar performances enhanced by the film's stunning cinematography. The directors commentary is so worthwhile, humorous, informative & self-deprecating that this really two discs in one. Buy it - play it and enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful - and a true story to boot !
Review: Powerful acting, excellent cinematography and tremendous costumes. Although how much of it was "Hollywoodised" we will never know. I think I've watched this four times and STILL find things that I missed. HEAPS better than Shakespeare in Love.
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