Movie Rewind - Elizabeth- The Golden Age
December 9th 2007 07:38
The Golden Age finds Queen Elizabeth I (Cate Blanchett) facing bloodlust for her throne and familial betrayal. Growing keenly aware of the changing religious and political tides of late 16th century Europe, Elizabeth finds her rule openly challenged by the Spanish King Philip II (Jordi Molla)--with his powerful army and sea-dominating armada--determined to restore England to Catholicism.
Preparing to go to war to defend her empire, Elizabeth struggles to balance ancient royal duties with an unexpected vulnerability in her love for Raleigh. But he remains forbidden for a queen who has sworn body and soul to her country. Unable and unwilling to pursue her love, Elizabeth encourages her favorite lady-in-waiting, Bess (Abbie Cornish), to befriend Raleigh to keep him near. But this strategy forces Elizabeth to observe their growing intimacy.
As she charts her course abroad, her trusted advisor, Sir Francis Walsingham (Geoffrey Rush), continues his masterful puppetry of Elizabeth's court at home--and her campaign to solidify absolute power. Through an intricate spy network, Walsingham uncovers an assassination plot that could topple the throne. But as he unmasks traitors that may include Elizabeth's own cousin Mary Stuart (Samantha Morton), he unknowingly sets England up for destruction. (net sourced)
I hadn't seen the previous Elizabeth film before seeing this one but didn't really find this much of a problem as the film begins in 1585. Generally not my kind of film but as it had some pretty good actors, Cate Blanchett, Clive Owen and Geoffrey Rush in it and the fact that it is based on English history, well I just had to go and see it.
I had a little knowledge of history from this time but it was great to see it actored out on the big screen. The costume design and sets, just conjured up the era and the acting was pretty flawless. I have read a few different mixed reviews online about this movie and guess people need to remember that its only a movie and not to try and fit it into what is happening in the world today.
Its not perfect and there were a few moments when I thought maybe Cate thought she was back in Lord of the Rings but these were fairly few and Clive Owen was his usual self and very much under rated. For any fans of his, King Arthur, Sin City and Children of Men are all well worth watching. With the great acting, costumes, set design and stunning CGI sea battle scenes, this is well worth a look and maybe to learn a little history too.
kiwiauthor rating 8/10
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