BroadcastChic Excellent, a Must See

Comwayon A Disappointing Continuation

StyleSk8r At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

pointyfilippa The movie runs out of plot and jokes well before the end of a two-hour running time, long for a light comedy.

robert-259-28954 BRAVO, HBO, for producing a film of such class and emotional power. Seldom am I at a loss for words when describing the acting ability of anyone, but in Helen Mirren's case, I am rendered speechless. As an actor myself, it is habitual to be often over-critical of another's screen performance, no matter their reputation or experience. But in both parts of this two-film masterpiece, all I could see is perfection from stem to stern, a mind blowing tribute to the art and perfection of a single actor's brilliance. It is rare in this day of CGI, gratuitous sex and violence, and making movies for profit only, to witness such an amazing film creation, with values as wonderful to the soul as to the eye and ear. In addition to Mirren's flawless performance, is the inspired casting of another British icon, the great Jeremy Irons, in perhaps the performance of his life. I have often found Mr. Irons to be cold and unemotional in his acting choices, but in this role, he truly took the gloves off, delivering a stunning tour de force on a par with the emotional depth of Ms. Mirren. To miss this motion picture, so lovingly created by HBO, is to deprive yourself of a modern day classic, so rare for this day and age. Don't miss it.

LauraLeeWasHere I think it is true to say that Helen Mirren is a versatile actor, but she seems to be making a sideline career of portraying Queen Elizabeths. I thought she did a fantastic job of portraying the current Queen but when she steps into the shoes (and large lace collars) of THIS Queen Elizabeth, she does it AGAIN. And perhaps even more so. My apologies to all the other actresses who portrayed Queen Elizabeth I, but Helen Mirren has no equal for this character since Elizabeth I was done by Bette Davis all those decades ago. And for all those who think that there is only "junk" on television, watch this two part mini-series and eat your words, while being educated and thoroughly entertained. A HUGE honourable mention goes to Toby Jones for his role in this. He and Mirren, their rapport and the way they bat the dialogue back and forth is some of the best give and take I've EVER seen in ANY film. Between the two of them, it's hard to remember any other actor in this film. And that says tons because there is a truck load of British talent in this story. (I'll give more apologies to all the actors in the rest of the world but can anybody act as well as the British?) Do yourself a favour. Rent or buy this miniseries, get a big bowl of popcorn and spend an evening (or weekend) watching this. But here's a hint: Don't invite a friend unless they are the kind that can be absolutely silent while a movie is playing, because you won't want to miss one syllable of what's being said.

Maddyclassicfilms Although not as good as the classic series Elizabeth R,starring Glenda Jackson this series from 2005 is well worth watching.It's focus is on the Virgin Queens later years after she has been on the throne for twenty years.Looking closely at her love affairs with Lord Robert Dudley Earl of Leicester and the Earl Of Essex.Queen Elizabeth the First(Helen Mirren)has made herself one of Europes most powerful rulers and is well known as The Virgin Queen.However her loyal advisors especially Sir Francis Walshingham(Patrick Malahide)and Lord Burghley(Ian McDiarmid)keep saying she should marry for the security of the throne.She eventually says she'll consider a proposal much to the displeasure of her close friend and one true love Lord Robert Dudley(Jeremy Irons)who hates to see her persuaded to do things against her hearts desire.The scenes between Jeremy and Helen are some of the best in the series touching,funny and sexy.Beautiful costumes,period music and one of Helens greatest performances make this a must see.Featuring fine support from the likes of Ian McDiarmid,Patrick Malahide,Toby Jones as Robert Cecil and Hugh Dancy as The Earl Of Essex who becomes Elizabeths favorite after the death of Robert Dudley during the Spanish Armada.This is one to watch if your interested in this remarkable woman who lived life on her own terms and gave up her own emotional desires to give everything she had to England,and of course if you like well made TV drama with fascinating characters.

Bill Peter I'm a big fan of the film "Elizabeth", but this TV production is better, and I cannot rate it highly enough. Being for TV works to its advantage, as they could pick the best "actor" for each part instead of a "star". For example, Patrick Malahide is far far better than Geoffrey Rush as Walshingham (spelling?). The only slight let-down was the Duke of Anjou. The actor in the old Cointreau advert (that dates me) had far more Gallic charm to woo Elizabeth than the actor here. The gore of punishment was handled well, including the two strokes to kill Mary, Queen of Scots - but what about the three to kill Essex? Unfortunately Helen Mirren, who was a real tour de force, has already done the sequel (Elizabeth II), so we haven't got that to look forward to. However, what about the long-promised film about Mary, Queen of Scots?