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Thursday, February 5, 2009

ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE

Movie on M-Net takes sumptuous look at the relationship between Elizabeth I and Sir Walter Raleigh.

2007. Directed by Shekhar Kapur, Elizabeth: The Golden Age stars Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, Clive Owen, Abbie Cornish and Samantha Morton. It will be screened on MNet on February 16 at 20h30.

The film takes a sumptuous look at the relationship between virgin queen, Elizabeth I and Sir Walter Raleigh, the explorer who went on to become her military strategist.

Cate Blanchett reprises her role as the strong-willed virginal queen, Elizabeth I, in this opulent film that was nominated for two Oscars, eventually winning one for best costumes. It’s 1585 and Elizabeth is facing a concerted onslaught from her enemy, Philip II of Spain, who wants Mary, Queen of Scots, to succeed her as queen. Failing that, his mighty armada will take on her fleet. Clearly, this staunch Catholic does not like her Protestant ways.

The arrival of Walter Raleigh, a dashing explorer who charms her with his wit and gifts, diverts her attention for a while, until he gets a little too close to her lady in waiting.