The story of the film revolves around Queen Elizabeth of England. The events begin as Elizabeth became Queen of England. But people see her as vulnerable and threats coming from inside and out, and they want her to marry lawyer William Cecil. But she will marry only of her. Elizabeth is smart and cautious, and she must choose where to put her trust with her witty secretary, Walsingham, the master of espionage, or her secret lover, Sir Robert Dudley.
Dank interior castle settings create a claustrophobic intensity that underscores the growing sense of paranoia and people's sinister machinations in this battle for England.
Cincinnati Enquirer
October 15, 2002
Historians will take issue with some of the filmmakers' choices, but fans of juicy historical drama will just hunker down for the feast.
Cate Blanchett gives a bravura performance in this dark and lurid account, which is done from a contemporary standoint as a conspiracy thriller, emphasizing the violent actions
