The lowdown: 'Elizabeth' is a historical drama that chronicles the rise of Queen Elizabeth I to the throne, and 
how she became the Virgin Queen. The film stars Cate Blanchett as Elizabeth Tudor, Geoffrey Rush as Sir Francis
Walsingham and Christopher Eccleston as the Duke of Norfolk. The film begins in 1554, with England divided on 
religious grounds. The Catholic Queen Mary does not have an heir, and she is urged to take measures to ensure 
that her Protestant half-sister Elizabeth can never accede to the throne. Mary dies of a tumour, and having earlier
spared the heretic Elizabeth's life, Elizabeth now becomes queen of England, Ireland and France. However, some 
at her court are not pleased that she is queen, and conspire to have her killed. The conspiracy is revealed when a 
priest sent by Pope Pius V is captured and tortured, and discloses the names of the conspirators, including Norfolk
and Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester.

The verdict: If you enjoy historical dramas and English history, this film is well worth a look, with assassinations, 
conspiracy, betrayal, loyalty and disloyalty to the Crown (sounds just like the House of Windsor!). While some critics
have questioned the historical accuracy of 'Elizabeth', it is still a fascinating insight into what is termed England's 
Golden Age. The acting is generally superb, although Cate Blanchett is definitely the standout.
 
  Quotes:
  Norfolk: She is just a child and yet still you piss yourselves!

  Norfolk: I must do nothing by your order. I am Norfolk. 
  Sir Francis Walsingham: You were Norfolk. The dead have no titles. 

 Video Clips:
Queen Mary dies (2.5mb)
The coronation  (4.6mb)
Norfolk is executed  (3.8mb)

          More pictures from 'Elizabeth'

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
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