 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Elizabeth
- Review Date: October 19, 2005
- R
- Genre: Drama
- 1998
Common Sense Media says
Mature, visceral depiction of a turbulent reign.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this film has extremely gruesome scenes, and parts may be difficult to watch even for adults. Extremely graphic depictions of people being burned alive, being stabbed, beheaded, heads on sticks, and gruesome post-war images of people with missing limbs, bloody, and dying are featured in the film. The film also includes several scenes featuring nudity and sexual interludes.
What's the story?
ELIZABETH depicts the transformation of a young, naïve, in-love princess into one of history's greatest, and at times most ruthless, rulers. Set in a period of great religious and political turmoil, the movie opens with a gruesome scene of three people being burned alive for their Protestant religious views. The Protestant Elizabeth (Cate Blanchett) takes the throne after the death of her Roman Catholic sister, Queen Mary (Kathy Burke). Her religious beliefs, along with a desire to solidify alliances with other nations, lead to much intrigue in her court, including attempts on her life. Her one true love, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester (Joseph Fiennes), interferes with her court advisers who wish to have her marry one of England's allies. Only after the ruthless decision to eliminate all of her enemies does Queen Elizabeth ensure total control.
Is it any good?
This well-done dramatic biography accurately depicts the great ruler's life, but it's not for the faint of heart. Cate Blanchett's superb acting skills demonstrate the emotional evolution that Elizabeth might have undertaken as she ascended to the throne in such turbulent times. Director Shekhar Kapur develops the tension of the times in a way that never lets the audience completely relax. From the first scene of martyrs being burned through the war with the Scots and all of the murders of her enemies, one gets the sense that these were times in which few could be trusted. Despite its qualities as a fine film, Elizabeth is too mature and violent for younger viewers.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about the concept of an enlightened ruler and what methods are acceptably employed to remain in control of a nation for the good of the people. How did Elizabeth's actions "for the good of the people" affect ordinary citizens? What do you think constitutes a good reason to go to war? The biographical nature of the film may also spark conversations about this historically significant period, as Elizabeth was the last of the Tudor line monarchy. Families may want to discuss the capable nature of women in power as evidenced by Elizabeth's reign, which was considered the Golden Age in England. Finally, families could talk about the power that religion has had over people and nations occasionally even driving them to war.
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Educator and Parent of
October 9, 2011
AGE
Blanchett robbed of the Oscar!
Elizabeth is owned by Cate Blanchett. Nothing in this film proves that statement wrong. From her innocent, young times, to her transformation to a powerful monarch, Blanchett sells the scenes as if she were reallly living them. That being said, this is one violent, highly sexualized film. Not for impressionable people, and most definitely NOT for kids.
What other families should know:
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Adult
March 1, 2011
AGE
Watch it!
What a great movie! As a lover of history, i would recommend learning a bit about the time period first. The sex is not gratuitous and any teen could handle it.
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Teen, 16 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
one of the best movies
i always ff the sexual content and the violence is not an issue for me. no swearing :-D
i love this movie!!
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| Studio: | Universal Pictures |
| Director: | Shekhar Kapur |
| Cast: | Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, Joseph Fiennes |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 124 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | January 1, 1998 |
| DVD release date: | November 4, 2002 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | violence and sexuality |
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