Very costly and well-played production, this is a co-production between Channel 4 and HBO, and despite of which, this is very well-made. The script contains a near-infinite library of great quotes and watching Helen Mirren acting with Jeremy Irons in such great environments that actually let actors act rather than be pawns to special effects, is humility itself.

There are many long camera shots, where one single camera follows the regent and her entourage, which is used very effectively, to show the environments and the drama surrounding Elizabeth I, this being an era in British history where people were drawn and quartered everywhere and the regent was anointed, put in-place by God. Yet this did not stop human emotions, which this film revels in. It reminded me of Amadeus, yet is in ways better. The story is greatly written and care has been taken to not over-blow the production, which, after all, is about very few people, despite the elaborate drama.

Besides, I must say I despise the grades in All Consuming; 4/5 is “I like it” and 5/5 is “I love it”? Weird, that. I think this is a great mini-series. Go purchase it.