Review of "Elizabeth - The Golden Age" by

The sequel to 1998's "Elizabeth", "The Golden Age" tells the tail of the evolution of young Queen Elizabeth from a figurehead to a true leader. We see an Elizabeth filled with self-doubt as she deals with the political pressures to get married and produce an heir, and insurrection by Catholics led by her cousin Mary Queen of Scots, which leads to the ultimate test of her rule - war with Spain. The country is in upheaval as Catholics rebel against the pressures to join The Church of England.

Cate Blanchett is once again magnificent as Elizabeth. She is regal, quick-witted, gentle, and inspirational. Clive Owen turns in an admirable performance as Sir Walter Raleigh, the privateer and adventurer who brings back gifts from the New World and promises of riches if Elizabeth will permit him to establish a colony. He's handsome and carries off the role of swashbuckler with confidence. It's tempting to compare him to Errol Flynn, of course, but ultimately unfair to Owen. Geoffrey Rush is his charismatic self in the role of Sir Francis Walsingham, the queen's advisor. Director Shekhar Kapur makes a fine film here that's filled with romance and splendor, despite the fact that the ending dragged on for about 10 minutes longer than needed. It's an amazing story of a young woman who finds her way through self-doubt, sexism, war, and revolution to find the inner strength to rally her country to her side as they face the Spanish Armada.