This was really powerful and awed me tremendously, in much the same vein as Joan of Arc, but without the unfortunate demise and quite so much war-mongering. Indeed this instalment of Elizabeth’s march is full of wonderful moments of introspection and heavenly light, reminding me somewhat of The Fountain, yet with infinitely more foundation. Blanchett naturally does a stunning job of conveying Elizabeth’s predicament, and ultimately her convictions towards her country and people. The costumes were stunning, as were the dizzying camera pans and shots from on high, but the use of cathedrals rather than palaces as one would expect, overemphasises the religious angle. Given that the film covers the war between Spain and England and the religious division, this is partly to be expected, and you certainly walk away with a trace of fervour having been infused into your blood. I’ll be seeing this again, and I can recommend seeing it on the big screen.