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Sep 09, 2017Nursebob rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
As usual with any big screen costume drama historical accuracy takes a backseat to sheer spectacle, and Kapur delivers spectacle in spades. The palatial sets, opulent outfits, and computer-generated sea battles are breathtaking and a cast of A-listers (among them Geoffrey Rush as Walsingham; Samantha Morton as Mary Queen of Scots; Jordi Mollà as Philip II of Spain) are certainly strong enough to be heard above the visual din. But the film’s gushing patriotism insists on bathing Elizabeth in ethereal light—at one point she literally glows as the camera spins giddily about her and in another scene she delivers an inspired oration atop a white horse, gathering storm clouds reflecting off her immaculate armour—while at the same time demonizing Philip and his papist hordes. Coupled with a soundtrack of thundering orchestras and straining choirs that border on epic overkill, Kapur pushes his production dangerously close to Marvel Comics territory with England’s Wonder Woman facing off against Spain’s Darth Vader. But the performances are superb, the sense of history in the making palpable, and the aforementioned spectacle flies right off the screen and into your face.