Thoroughly enjoyable and the first time I really noticed Abbie Cornish. Will have to seek out more of her work. As usual Cate Blanchett is exquisite.

I think this movie is worth watching simply because of Cate Blanchett’s phenomenal acting prowess.

I didn’t think was as good as the first one, but still really enjoyed it. It really inspires me to want to learn about English history. This country has such an amazing past, yet I barely know anything about it as I didn’t go to school here. Definitely something to add to my 43 things…

It’s a bit overblown, and somewhat disappointing that they added so much ‘inaccurate’ padding rather than focusing on the very-interesting-by-herself Elizabeth. Cate Blanchett can do very little wrong, it seems, and she does try to humanise this historical ‘myth’ – much more believable at the beginning than when she starts falling apart a bit. And I did think she was back in LotR in the armour with the “They shall not pass!”

In all, though, it’s very pretty to look at, although a little heavy on the melodrama (Clive Owens’ posing? Pul-ease!) in favour of story.