 The
story is simple and we're not telling you anything in our review that isn't told
in hundreds of thousands of World History textbooks. When King Philip II
of Spain, played
by Jordi Mollą, declares Holy
War on England and it's virgin Queen, Elizabeth,
the woman warrior,
played by
Cate Blanchett, takes charge. Facing an overwhelming armada of Spanish ships,
guns and soldiers, Elizabeth stops the harvest, calls the peasants from the
fields, frees prisoners and leads her people on the battlefield and into a
victory that humiliated and bankrupted Spain and ushered in England's Golden
Age.The movie is an account of how on the one hand to stay in power Elizabeth
had to rule with an iron fist and the other hand show genuine concern for her
people. The balance between the two o pposing values enabled Elizabeth to govern
England, forge ties between countries and fend off
adversaries and traitors both abroad and within her closest family. It's quite
possible that nobody else in the English Monarchy could have united the Brits
and defeated Spain. Seeing her in action is inspiring.
In one scene the minister of Spain, played by
Vidal Sancho,
confronts Elizabeth saying "There is a wind coming that will sweep away your
pride." and she replies "I, too, can command the wind, sir! I have a hurricane
in me that will strip Spain bare if you dare to try me!" and so she does.
 If
you need an unresolved story line that isn't in most history books to enjoy a movie,
we'll give you one. The real plot of the movie is to find out if Sir Walter Raleigh,
played by Clive Owen, will win
the love of Elizabeth.
The setting of the movie is spectacular. The grand
palaces, castles, battlefields and English countryside will awe even the most
special effects jaded moviegoer. The script is realistic, well written and for
the most part, acted to near
perfection. Although nobody should go see Elizabeth, The Golden Age expecting
fast paced adventure, there are periods where the movie seems to drag
unnecessarily. I think some directors and producers are afraid we'll want a buck
or two back if they don't supply two hours of film. Shave 15 minutes, cut an
unnecessary scene or two, and and keep the audience engaged.
Three stars to Elizabeth, The Golden Age.
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