Rating: 
Summary: Great movie but its not history
Review: Elizabeth is a great movie but it is not what you called a historical movie since it not really based on history. The names are the only historical part and rest is pure fantasy. So I called Elizabeth a "historical fantasy" movie. With that in mind, I thought Cate Blanchett was great in this movie and her supporting cast did a superb job. Script had a "Godfather" feel to it, especially at the end. Don't look to this film for any historical insight. There is none. But for good simple entertainment, the movie is good for that. Otherwise, this is a great Hollywood film, much like the other "historical fantasy" film - Braveheart. Within the context of the film, Elizabeth is one of the best of 1998.
Rating: 
Summary: An outstanding movie...
Review: I was fortunate to see this in the theaters during its limited release. This is truly one of the best movies I have seen. I was afraid my 12-yr. old daughter wouldn't be as thrilled with it as I was (I'm a big House of Tudor fanatic)...but she rates it as one of the best, as well! Cate Blanchett and Joseph Fiennes put in fantasic performances as Queen Elizabeth and Robert Dudley. I'll be sure to purchase this one so I can watch it over and over!
Rating:
Summary: An Excellent film about Elizabeth I of England
Review: ELIZABETH was an excellent film about one of the greatest monarchs in British history. The plot was magnificent. The riveting opening scene was of three prominent Protestants being burned at the stake. Cate Blanchett played the monarch well. I found the scene where the Duke of Anjou was caught by Elizabeth dressed in women's attire to be very amusing. The story had many twists and turns, but in the end, everything came together. I highly recommend this movie to everyone who wants a great introduction to the Tudor period in English history.
Rating:
Summary: Cate Blanchett defines the term "Queen Elizabeth I"
Review: One of the best films of the year. I truly believe that the Oscar should have been won by Cate Blanchett due to her miraculous performance of "Elizabeth", at least she did win a Golden Globe award for best actress in a drama. After watching her portrayal of "Elizabeth", I could see why the Elizabethan era was considered one of the best period of England's history, England had a very strong leader. For those who have seen the movie, I was amazed at how Blanchett at the end of the movie resembled the paintings of Queen Elizabeth. I had always believed that the old paintings were exaggerated, now I can see where it came from. Bravo to Blanchett for doing such a remarkable performance. I can't wait to see what other roles she has played.
Rating: 
Summary: Once again Producers pander to Prurience...
Review: The dazzling sparkle of Cate Blanchett cannot save this disaster of a film from embarking on a literal trashing of the Great Queen Elizabeth I. One can only summon, since everyone in the film seemed preocupied with tawdry sex including a sicko murder in the palace, that the writers and the director were just pandering to the appalling sexual appetite of American audiences. The rather lush photography is supremely wasted by another romp into the sexual gardens by a supposed cerebral writer. I really thought the British had more decency than to make this trash. Felecia P.S. - Sir Richard Attenborough should renounce the worst career move he has ever made.
Rating:
Summary: Fabulous, Beautiful, Brilliant
Review: "Elizabeth" is a beautiful, poignant film (I've seen it three times, and it never gets old). It's not a huge deal that the film is not historically accurate; the acting, script, costumes, wonderful cinematography, etc. are enough to justify it as a must-see. I was very impressed by the performance of Cate Blanchett (who should have been voted Best Actress at the Oscars, but I'll save you from my speech on that issue). Blanchett posesses a natural and serene beauty, yet she easily evokes the strong, demanding presence which is associated with the real Elizabeth I. This movie is intelligent, captivating, and unforgettable.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing
Review: The reviews called it brilliant; I found it tedious even as I found the quality of the acting excellent. Cate Blanchett certainly looked the part more than anyone else I've seen who portrayed Elizabeth; nevertheless, everything else seemed off. I particularly didn't like the staging and photography. It began to annoy me about midway through when I noticed that absolutely every scene had to be "framed". Either a balustrade, a curtain, a bannister, a door, or something was set in the foreground through which one viewed the scene. This became increasingly distracting until I almost lost the thread of the narrative. I am surely in the minority on this; however, as beautiful as the costumes and hairstyles were, as well acted as the parts were; nevertheless, the mediocrity of the direction, the diddling with history, and the affectations of photography ruined this film for me.
Rating:
Summary: A wretched film!
Review: What a wretch of a film. So many historical errors one stopped counting and just gave up -- pummelled by the general awfulness of the script. In short, "Elizabeth" is just another cynical attempt by film producers (with an eye to protecting their big investments) to pander to a mid-range audience they consider to be ill-educated thickos who will just be dazzled by pretty costumes and go home very pleased with themselves over their venture into 'history'. Considering how well "Elizabeth" has done -- one assumes the film producers must be right.
Rating:
Summary: An embarrassing misrepresentation of Elizabeth's life.
Review: As someone who has studied English history for years, and especially Elizabeth I, I was literally embarrassed by this awful version of the life of this brilliant woman. Everyone who was important to her was misrepresented, and there was certainly no reason to change history. Robert Dudley was her childhood (and best)friend and was by her side practically til the day he died, --she called him "her eyes". She did put him in the Tower, but only when he did not tell her about his second marriage (she was present at his first). Sir William Cecil presented Elizabeth with Queen Mary's ring( after Mary died) and was her most trusted advisor until he died. His son replaced him. Walsingham, although loyal and important to her, was never as close as Cecil. The list of discrepancies is endless. The writers and producers of this film, that should and could have been wonderful, should hang their heads in shame.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful, rich, well written, directed and acted.
Review: This is a wonderful film. Characters so well defined you feel as if you know them. Extraordinary customing and sets. Beautiful to watch and so well written, I was not ready for it to end! Ms Blanchett steals every scene she is in and I see her beng around for a very long time...perhaps even a Kate Hepburn, or Lauren Bacall. Mr. Fiennes is a credit to his brother. I was impressed. Excellent acting by all. would loved to have seen a little more of Mr. Hardwicke. He should do very well also. I have been fortunate to see all of Ms Blanchett's movies, including one I liked very much which wasn't mentioned so I shall leave it alone as well. The only complaint I have is the rating. I think this film should be seen by a bit younger children. It's great history, it's fairly accurate and what a pleasant way to get a history lesson. I will watch this movie several more times, I assure you. I consider "Elizabeth" the finest film I have seen this year, and most of last. Thank you Ms. Blanchett, Cate, for your wonderful film.
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