This 1500s setting is about how the reign of Queen Elizabeth of England began. Her reign is often referred to as "The Golden Age". It was not so golden when she began her 40-year career as leader of England. Elizabeth, played by the powerful Cate Blanchett, invokes a most disturbing beginning. She has enemies too numerous to list. She has too few friends to mention and her power has been questioned the very second she became queen. The Queen had the unfortunate task of taking control of a country that was at war�with each other. It became a war between Protestant and Catholic. Not to mention that England had to deal with Spain, France and Scotland among others.

Aside from an intense plot and screenplay, the cast and direction are the best parts about the film. Those scenes of the castle were just awesome. The cast is just as strong, beginning with Blanchett's. Her attempt at playing the Queen has been loved by all critics. She is amazing in her lead role. Joseph Fiennes shares his acting in both Shakespeare and Elizabeth. He does well in both, yet did not receive a Best Supporting Actor nomination for either performance. And let us not forget about the great Geoffrey Rush, who did receive a Supporting Nomination for Shakespeare. His performance in Elizabeth is better. Never have I seen a character that was as terrifying, as suspicious, or as evil as his.