The Golden Age

I have always believed Cate Blanchett to be an extraordinary actress and now that belief is confirmed. 'Elizabeth: The Golden Age' is outstanding, it is a masterpiece for the eyes and the heart. A story of two rulers, two faiths and two empires. This film sees 'the rise of a great empire and the fall of another.' Elizabeth I was the first Queen of England and my did this film do her justice. A strong woman, a smart woman who longed to be loved yet she knew it was too much to ask as Queen. Before her reign, England was divided religiously, one ruler after the next either Catholic or Protestant. When she took the crown she had a mountain to climb to unite this country yet she did it with passion and substance.

In 1585 Phillip of Spain dominates Europe and his biggest conquest is yet to come with the Spanish Armada. Yet one woman stands in his way; the Queen of England; Elizabeth. One of the most powerful speeches comes from Elizabeth when she defies Phillip within the court walls;'I TOO CAN COMMAND THE WIND SIR. I HAVE A HURRICANE IN ME THAT WILL STRIP STRING BARE IF YOU DARE TO TRY ME.' I understand that this is Hollywood and that Elizabeth and Blanchett are two very different people yet here they merge into one. I can imagine that Elizabeth was extremely passionate about her people, her country and her religion.Within this film Blanchett does her justice. It is such a moving scene, where she stands her ground, she is clearly no stranger to powerful men and although as Queen she should have respect for others, she responds to every proposition Phillip of Spain gives her with style and grace. What I found most intriguing was that Elizabeth went onto the battlefield with her men, this is a sign of a true leader, a true ruler, a true Queen. Her motivational speech 'Let them come with the armies of HELL as they will not pass.' To be able to stand in front of your army as a woman and to motivate them in the way she did is true honour, a Queen that did more for this country than any man who wore the crown jewels.

One of the most beautiful scenes in this film is when England defeat Spain in the Spanish Armada and Elizabeth rises from her bed to the mountain edge and gazes over the morning dusk. Where she looks out across the sea and from her slight smile and closed eyes she knows her country have won a battle that was not theirs to fight. The simplicity of this scene is touching, how she is standing, barefoot in her nightdress, no wig or make - up; just herself and the wind. An irony from the previous scene as she was able, to control the wind.

Elizabeth had many moral battles to face along with the Spanish Armada during her reign. The question whether she was the legitimate Queen was posed to her by the Catholics. Her cousin Mary Queen of Scots was believed by them to be the true Queen of England and an assignation attempt by the Catholics led Elizabeth to fear not only for her life but for her people. Elizabeth also had to deal with the fact that in many eyes she had '...murdered Gods anointed Queen.' Which then in turn led to the Spanish Armada and putting her country in grave danger.

Although a great ruler, Elizabeth never had what she wanted most. A husband. Although she did not show it, it is clear that she needed a male in her life who loved her for her and not for her status. Clive Owen plays the pirate Walter Raleigh who touches upon this subject, 'I think it must be hard for a Queen to know the simple pleasure of being liked for herself.' Her relationship with Raleigh was platonic, it would have caused many to lose their respect and love for her, if she had married a pirate. He was a comforting man and who I believe did love her as a woman rather than just his Queen; although I think it was more a brotherly love rather than a sexual love.

Elizabeth was so strong in public yet in private I think she struggled to let go and just be herself, although we do see glimmers of this when she whispers, 'what do you do when you are facing your death?' She gave England her life yet she wonders whether it deserved her soul. One of the most remarkable diplomats of our time is portrayed superbly by Blanchett; a film not only for historians but one we all need to watch to gain a real insight into how one woman fought against the odds to rule a land that did not want to be ruled. To crystallize a language that brought us some of the greatest writers we learn from today. And to stabilise a country ruined by religion.
I feel it only right to end this on her own words as she is too many still today, a model of strength and perseverance. An icon of stability and grace. A Queen. A Diplomat. A Woman.
'I am called the Virgin Queen. Un-married. I have no master. Chlidless, I am mother to my people. God give me strength to bear this mighty freedom. I am your Queen. I am. Myself.'