Elizabeth, The Golden Age
11:48am Monday 3rd December 2007
If you can accept this film as drama rather than fact, escaping into this Tudor world shouldn't be a problem. There is certainly too much emphasis on Waler Raleigh's pirate adventurer, though I have to admit Clive Owen cut a dashing figure in the role.
Cate Blanchett again shows Elizabeth's indestructible spirit and Geoffrey Rush lends dignified support as Sir Francis Walsingham. There are moving scenes too, such as Samantha Morton's Queen of Scots meeting her death at Fotheringay and Elizabeth blessing Raleigh's baby son.
There's adventure, excitement, sumptuous costumes and striking photography to delight the eye. Although this film has some strong set pieces, overall it lacks the original's basic power and intensity.