"Elizabeth"
Rated R for violence and some sensuality
Starring Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, Joseph Fiennes, Christopher Eccleston and Richard
Attenborough
CineSight Rating *** 1/2
Contrary to fairytale myth, princesses don't always live happily ever after. "Elizabeth" is a mixture of history and speculation as it documents the early years of the reign of England's Queen Elizabeth I (Blanchett).
The young queen gains the throne during a tumultuous period of British history: fledgling Protestantism is taking a hold in the land, undermining Catholicism. Meanwhile, France and Spain, like wolves at the door, are both interested in gaining the nation for themselves through political marriages. And if that doesn't work, they're certainly not opposed to a plain old invasion!
Somehow, Elizabeth must bring peace and stability to her country, while avoiding assassination attempts on her own life and courting a reckless lover (Fiennes). In all this, she is advised by her council, led by the Duke of Norfolk (Eccleston) and Sir William Cecil (Attenborough), and privately counseled by her bodyguard/assasin Walsingham (Rush). But who has the county's interests in mind, and who is playing a dangerous power game to benefit their own interests? Times may change, but politics never do.
* Widescreen Only Format
This disc is very well arranged, with a good list of features in addition
to the movie. "Elizabeth" is both an elegant and brutal film. Locations
and costumes are imposing and extravant, giving the production a
grand sense of scale. But the story itself is very frank in its dealing with
dirty politics, the inequality of the sexes, and the fatal consequences of
choosing the losing side.
DVD Features
* Director's Commentary
* Two 'Making Of' Documentaries
* Theatrical Trailers
* Cast & Crew Biographies
* Photo Gallery
* Interactive Menu
* Language: English
* Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
CineSight Comments
