Costume dramas have something of a bad reputation. The Homer Simpsons of the world think they are boring, pompous, slow, and confusing. I myself admit it takes a little more dragging than usual to get me to a movie if it involves British history (although I usually end up enjoying myself). But Elizabeth is distinctly different. It is very dark, at times deadly serious, and it has the pacing of a thriller or an action film. There is much more twisting conflict and intrigue in Elizabeth than in two of your average costume dramas. This one is worth a look, even if you’re a Homer.
Elizabeth
***published February 15, 1999