This entry was posted on Friday, October 12th, 2007 at 8:59 pm and is filed under Drama, E, Movie Reviews, NEW ON VIDEO, Romance. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
Director: Shekhar Kapur
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Clive Owen, Geoffrey Rush, Abbie Cornish
This is a sequel to the 1998 critically acclaimed project, Elizabeth, which garnered seven academy award nominations, though it only won one (best make-up). Writer Michael Hirst, director Shekhar Kapur, and performers Cate Blanchett and Geoffrey Rush all return to make this visually impressive drama that boasts resplendent costumes and strong imagery in the language. Blanchett is outstanding in the title role, but it is really a one woman show. Owen does an adequate job in the supporting role, but Rush has been reduced to a piece of furniture and has next to no strong scenes. The result is a beautiful film that needed more meat in the story to reach the next level.
Cate Blanchett is back as Elizabeth I, the Virgin Queen. The first film told of Elizabeth’s adjustment to becoming Queen, while she is a seasoned ruler in this feature. She finds herself attracted to the dashing privateer, Walter Raleigh, played by Clive Owen. This complicated relationship is distracting to Elizabeth, who is also dealing with Spain, whose King, played by Jordi Molla, wants to crush Elizabeth’s protestant kingdom.
Fans of the first film will be happy with this sequel, and I would expect to see its name when the Oscar nominations come out, particularly in the visual and costume categories. Blanchett, as well, may be on the short list for best actress. Action fans, don’t be fooled by the battle scenes in the preview, this is a character-driven period piece.
Movie Quotes: Elizabeth: The Golden Age
“We mortals have many weaknesses; we feel too much, hurt too much or too soon we die, but we do have the chance of love.”
“I, too, can command the wind, sir! I have a hurricane in me that will strip Spain bare when you dare to try me!”
October 31st, 2007 at 8:29 pm
Thank you both,come again. I welcome all feedback that doesn’t make me cover my ears and cry