Blanchett magnificent in Elizabeth: The Golden Age

Elizabeth: The Golden Age

Director: Shekar Kapur

Cast: Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, Samantha Morton, Clive Owen

Cert: 12

Who else but the wonderful Blanchett to play – not for the first time – Queen Elizabeth ll?

The lady is once again magnificent as Liz is beset by problems from all sides … troubles from cousin Mary, the Armada, a sort-of romance and several wannabe lovers. It’s certainly all happening at Court.

The real problem, however, lies in the direction Kapur steers the story, and the manner in which he brings it to the screen. He can’t make up his mind what sort of film – out-and-out romance or political thriller – is required.

But there’s always Blanchett – matched by Owen’s Walter Raleigh and Rush, an actor who never puts a foot wrong no matter what character he plays – to keep us interested.

Might there be an Oscar nod here?

Star Rating: 4/5