Synopsis

Chronicling the life and times of Elizabeth I, this historical drama portrays how a young queen overcame internal conspiracy, assassination attempts and foreign opposition to emerge as one of Europe's most powerful monarchs of the 16th century. Imprisoned by her half-sister at the age of 16, Elizabeth was swept onto the throne and crowned Queen of England at 23. A woman of intelligence, she deployed whatever means necessary to keep or to take what was hers by birthright. Cate Blanchett is Elizabeth and Geoffrey Rush plays the queen's counsel.

"This hellcat virgin Queen is something to see! Cate Blachett has a passionate fire and wit that makes Elizabeth's transformation a hypnotic spectacle."
-- Peter Travers, Rolling Stone