HBO put together a very good, historically accurate depiction of the later years of Elizabeth's reign. A personal viewpoint which ver much included her public life. I especially liked the DVD extra with David Starkey, a well-known English historian of the British Monarchy. Purchase with confidence, you won't regret owning it, esp if you're an Anglophile, like me.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I stated that it wasn't entertaining because the disk froze up half way thru. Nothing I did to the disk would allow me to finish watching it. Good value, no because I can't finish watching it. Spent so much time trying to make sure I had the right dvd that I can't express my disappointment.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
A very good and gratifying look at the life of Queen Elizabeth 1. Very historicaly acurate. From it's clothing and it's quotes. Most of the notable character in Bess's later life are here although Walter WATER Raleigh is played down a bit. Splendid acting by all as this is a lengthy film it is not boring Helen M. does a splendid job as the aging queen, betrayed by every man she ever loved. I loved the inclusion of the nickanmes for Lord Burgleys son Cecil, PYGMY. Bess had names for everyone. The fact that Lettice knolly of Essex was who had been a lady of the bedcahmber and closest to the queen at one time was not brought out . I suppose ever last detail cannot be contained in such a short time frame. Also the death of the queen was not played to it's fullest. There was a theory that James VI may not have been the legitimate son of Mary Queen of Scotts, and this may be why the queen was reluctant to name him heir to the throne. Also I thought his potrayel was excellent. When he asked Lord burgley whay it was like to be ruled by a b-tch and that when he was king woman would be like female b-tches at mens feet, that was most befitting of his character. Rememer he is the same bloke who rewrote the King James bible. Mary Queen of Scotts beheading was very acurate as it took two ax strokes and a sawing to get her head off. Anyway I think this movie was great and would recommend at least renting it.Read full review
This melodrama of Elizabeth I is engaging, entertaining, and well acted. Dame Helen Mirren plays the role of Queen Elizabeth with all the confidence and attitude of a true royal. During her interactions with her Privy Council she is at times playful and humorous, at other times she is a force to be reckoned with; authoritative, disciplined, and strong willed. Elizabeth is constantly reminded of her need to marry and produce an heir to continue the Tudor line. As a protestant queen, her realm and its people are torn between allegiance with Elizabeth and her cousin Mary, Queen of Scots, who is catholic. The Privy Council's candidate for Elizabeth's hand is the french duke, Anjou (a catholic) who they feel would help to strengthen their forces against Elizabeth's former brother-in-law Philip, the king of Spain. Elizabeth's English suitor and love interest, the Earl of Leicester, holds firm that an alliance with the french would not be good for England and sets out to prove his suspicion and gain support in his belief. Intrigue ensues as a plot involving Mary of Scots to kill Elizabeth is discovered, leading to the warrant of execution for the Scottish queen. Surrounded by young(er) maids in waiting, the aging queen is displayed with all the frailty and jealousy of an aging woman. Holding fast to her position, she resigns to the fact that she will not marry any man who would want to rule her or her kingdom, nor will she give England away for the sake of an alliance. She is content with being married to England. This production is wonderfully cast with Jeremy Irons as the Earl of Leicester and Hugh Dancy as the young Earl of Sussex, a young suitor who seduces an older Elizabeth for his own personal gain, but to his peril. The cinematography is beautifully filmed and the costumes are gorgeously authentic and expertly executed. Be taken back to the 16th century and enjoy the intrigue, pageantry, life and loves of her majesty, Elizabeth I.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
This is the story of Queen Elizabeth I and one of the most interesting reigns in the history of the British monarchy. Always under the threat of death or banishment during her childhood (Elizabeth actually spent some time in the Tower of London)Elizabeth assumes the crown and becomes an exceptional ruler under extremely difficult circumstances. Elizabeth's England is torn internally by religious strife (Protestant Reformation)and threatened from abroad by the mighty power of Spain. Helen Mirren gives an outstanding performance in the title role. One of the best actresses around today, she inhabits this part and makes Elizabeth return to flesh and blood if only for a brief time. Jeremy Irons is also outstanding as the Earl of Leicester and Elizabeth's chief advisor and lover. This film just reminds me of how well the British reenact history as opposed to their American cousins who tend to get a bit campy and "over the top". I highly recommend this film! Good history and great acting.Read full review
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