Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007)

The Golden Age of Elizabeth finds a woman weary from her dedication to her people. Elizabeth (returning Cate Blanchett) has settled into her role as the Virgin Queen, but continues to find herself at odds with the Catholic Church and constantly bombarded with treaties to marry. King Phillip of Spain is determined to bring down the bastard Queen with the help of Mary Stuart (Samantha Morton). Amidst the uproar, comes the adventurer Walter Raleigh (Clive Owen) to her court. Keenly intrigued by the rogue, Elizabeth is both intrigued and repulsed by the rogue. With the help of her new friend and that of the faithful Sir Francis Walsingham (Geoffrey Rush), Queen Elizabeth stares down critics, assassins, and war to bring England into her prosperity.

I can't imagine anyone other than director Shekhar Kapur imagining this story. True to form, the sumptuous period is reborn under Kapur. His use of symbolism is remarkable and advances the story beautifully. Also of note, is his use of camera. Every shot is breathtaking.

Cate Blanchett owns Queen Elizabeth. She brings amazing vulnerability and strength to an enigmatic role. She is woman, politician and seemingly superhuman. Rush is commanding, but time has not been good to Walsingham. Rush plays Sir Francis with a frailty. Clive Owen is dashing as Sir Walter Raleigh. The onscreen chemistry between Blanchett and Owen is palatable.

Elizabeth: The Golden Age is wonderful story-telling. However, you couldn't use this film as cliff notes. The film focuses on the woman and her sacrifices. Relationships, military achievement, commanding the respect of her male advisers... this is success in her world.

The portrayal of Queen Elizabeth is a strong one and no matter how flawed, Elizabeth: The Golden Age is a visual delight. Both films serve as a great starting point for further reading. I don't know how you could watch either and not be intrigued by this time in world history. Elizabeth: The Golden Age is much more than a historical drama, as I see it, it also serves as a reminder to woman of all ages of their potential should they choose to fulfill it.