The mid-1580s were a time of turmoil and intrigue in Europe. Queen Elizabeth I is on the throne of England. Tensions are mounting with Spain. Catholics and Protestants are locked in a religious struggle. This tapestry of history provides the backdrop for Shakhar Kapur’s Elizabeth: The Golden Age, the follow-up to the Academy award-nominated 1998 film Elizabeth.

Cate Blanchett returns in the title role and contributes a masterful performance as England’s monarch during these tumultuous times. Her portrayal of Elizabeth spans the gamut of human emotion, from humor and vulnerability to fear and courage… and does so with flair. Also returning from the original film is Geoffrey Rush as spymaster and advisor Sir Francis Walsingham. New to the mix is Clive Owen in the role of the adventurous Walter Raleigh and Abbie Cornish playing Elizabeth “Bess” Throckmorton, a favorite of the Queen among her ladies-in-waiting.

The bulk of the plot focuses on the events leading up to war with Spain and a conspiracy to assassinate Elizabeth and place Mary, Queen of Scots, on the throne. Along the way we’re treated to political maneuvers in the Queen’s Court and a growing romantic triangle of sorts between Elizabeth, Raleigh, and Bess. It is here I think that the film is really at its best. The human element is what I found most interesting as the film explores the emotional cost of Elizabeth struggling with her obligations as Queen and her desires as a woman.

Elizabeth: The Golden Age has ambitions to cover a lot of ground in its 114 minutes and personally, I think it tries to go a little too far. Too much time is spent on minutiae of the conspiracy. Action sequences of the battle with the Spanish Armada seemed grafted in, only to provide a boost of adrenaline near the end of the film. Honestly, the acting, the lush costumes, and historical settings are the main attractions and these extended CGI sequences at sea are just distractions.

Overall though, I have to confess I liked the film. Despite it’s shortcomings it is still a visual treat to behold and Blanchett’s onscreen presence is captivating. A few liberties are taken with historical details but I think you’d have to be a scholar of the age to be too put off by them. Catholics come off looking a little rabid; it may be accurate for the period but it’s a little lopsided as the Protestants had their issues as well. Still, I think fans of historical dramas and those who liked the first film will find this a serviceable installment. Only success at the box office will determine if the studio (and cast) is willing to give a rumored third movie a go.

Elizabeth: The Golden Age is rated PG-13 for “violence, some sexuality and nudity.” I think the rating is accurate. Younger children may find much of the film confusing and some of the scenes during the sea battle disturbing. As I mentioned the conflict between Catholics and Protestants is featured prominently and could be offensive to some. It might, however, provide good stimulus to do a little reading on the history of religion during this period.

Courtesy of a local publicist, Michael attended a promotional screening of Elizabeth: The Golden Age.