There are many great aspects to the film. Australian actress Cate Blancett is perfect as Elizabeth. She physically resembles images of the young Elizabeth. Blanchett's vulnerability as the queen who acquires wisdom, political savvy, and finally virginity as part of her education in how to be a successful monarch in a ruthless land is very fine. Her gradual denial of herself to become the woman of legend is captivating and depressing. We see only a glimpse of the stern woman she is to become, maybe like Quentin Crisp's version of Elizabeth in Sally Potter's film Orlando.

Blanchett also seems quite comfortable in the role and the costumes. Other characters fare less well, seeming almost to stumble over the sheer magnitude of their roles, almost as if the task of portraying history oppressed them somehow.

Plus, if it's been a while since you studied the Monarch's of England the movie does little to straighten you out. Elizabeth is surrounded by all manner of leeches, from those who would love her or kill her, and it's never really clear which is which.

Take Sir Francis Walsingham, a ruthless and mean-looking creature who I thought was poised to slit Elizabeth's throat at any second. Walsingham is played wonderfully by fellow Australian Geoffrey Rush, another feather in his bow.

There's a nice cameo by John Gielgud who plays the pope with great stature but little fire. But there's a little spark from Vincent Cassel, as the Duke of Anjou, one of Elizabeth's love interests. It seems that he's more enamoured with her wardrobe than her person.

In short, I found Elizabeth to be more appealing in concept than reality. I loved certain parts of the movie, and many of the portrayals of the dynamic characters from England's past. But as an entity, the film is lack lustre.