Elizabeth (1998) charted the troubling circumstances surrounding the ascent to the throne of this English monarch in 1558. Cate Blanchett gave a daring performance in a masterful study of raw power. Elizabeth: The Golden Age is also directed by Shekhar Kapur, and Blanchett returns as the Virgin Queen. This historical drama takes place in 1585, the twenty-seventh year of Elizabeth's reign, and one that is filled with ample troubles and tensions. There are fears that her Catholic cousin, Mary Stuart (Samantha Morton), may be in alliance with King Philip II of Spain (Jordi Molla) who wants to invade England and make it a Catholic country. The Spanish are building a large armada to wage a holy war. Meanwhile, Catholic sympathizers in England are plotting to assassinate the Queen.
Sir Francis Walsingham (Geoffrey Rush), Elizabeth's closest advisor, wants her to wed and have children; suitors from many countries are on hand to impress her. But the only one who catches her eye is confident and accomplished explorer Sir Walter Raleigh (Clive Owen), who thrills her with tales of life at sea and discoveries made in the New World. He also wins the admiration and the sexual attraction of Bess (Abbie Cornish), the Queen's favorite ward and companion. Both women love him in their own ways.
Elizabeth: The Golden Age focuses on the melodrama of the monarch's loneliness living in a prison of wealth and power. At one point, she says, "I'm tired of always being in control," but there is no escaping the tough choices she must make when Mary Stuart betrays her and Spain's large fleet attacks England. Clive Owen steals the movie with his convincing performance as the dashing explorer. This story lacks the dramatic clout of the first film, even through it does make it clear how much hate and violence has been engendered by Christians against Christians.
Special DVD features include deleted scenes, Audio Commentary with director Shekhar Kapur, and Featurettes: "The Reign Continues: Making Elizabeth: The Golden Age, Inside Elizabeth's World, and Commanding The Winds: Creating the Armada; Towers, Courts and Cathedrals.
