Sequels are generally not as well done as the original, but “Elizabeth: The Golden Age” is an exception to the rule. This 2007 second act to 1998’s “Elizabeth” is quite a gem, standing on it own two feet as a high quality production.
The first film concentrated on the early years of the reign of Elizabeth I of England. The second picture concentrates on the big event that really put England on the road to become a world power: The Spanish Armada. This was an attempt by Catholic Spain to conquer Protestant England, and to personally eliminate Queen Elizabeth. It ended in total failure in July & August of 1588.
Cate Blanchett has come to own the Virgin Queen role, eclipsing Elizabeth’s of the past including Glenda Jackson and Bette Davis. Blanchett received Oscar nominations for both projects, the only time any actor has been nominated for a reprise of a role already nominated for. (Besides Best Actress, “Elizabeth” had one other nomination: Best Costume Design.)
The supporting cast was populated by Geoffrey Rush, Abbie Cornish, Samantha Morton, Jordi Molla, Susan Lynch, Rhys Ifans, Eddie Redmayne, Tom Hollander, and Clive Owen as Sir Walter Raleigh. Director Shekhar Kapur (“Ellizabeth” 1998) and screenwriters William Nicholson and Michael Hirst were at the top of their game here. “Elizabeth: The Golden Age” was a success at the box office for StudioCanal, Working Title Films, and Universal Pictures.
Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007)
cinema
My Review
Sequels are generally not as well done as the original, but “Elizabeth: The Golden Age” is an exception to the rule. This 2007 second act to 1998’s “Elizabeth” is quite a gem, standing on it own two feet as a high quality production.
The first film concentrated on the early years of the reign of Elizabeth I of England. The second picture concentrates on the big event that really put England on the road to become a world power: The Spanish Armada. This was an attempt by Catholic Spain to conquer Protestant England, and to personally eliminate Queen Elizabeth. It ended in total failure in July & August of 1588.
Cate Blanchett has come to own the Virgin Queen role, eclipsing Elizabeth’s of the past including Glenda Jackson and Bette Davis. Blanchett received Oscar nominations for both projects, the only time any actor has been nominated for a reprise of a role already nominated for. (Besides Best Actress, “Elizabeth” had one other nomination: Best Costume Design.)
The supporting cast was populated by Geoffrey Rush, Abbie Cornish, Samantha Morton, Jordi Molla, Susan Lynch, Rhys Ifans, Eddie Redmayne, Tom Hollander, and Clive Owen as Sir Walter Raleigh. Director Shekhar Kapur (“Ellizabeth” 1998) and screenwriters William Nicholson and Michael Hirst were at the top of their game here. “Elizabeth: The Golden Age” was a success at the box office for StudioCanal, Working Title Films, and Universal Pictures.