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DVD: Elizabeth: The Golden Age (12)

110 mins, Universal Pictures (UK), Drama/Romance, also available to buy. Starring: Cate Blanchett, Clive Owen, Abbie Cornish, Geoffrey Rush, Jordi Molla, Samantha Morton.

IN the sequel to Shekhar Kapur's sweeping historical epic, Elizabeth I (Blanchett) has been on the throne for almost three decades but the winds of religious discord are blowing uneasily throughout the land.

Spain's King Phillip II (Molla) is preparing to despatch his fleet of ships with the intention of removing the Protestant queen from the throne and installing her cousin Mary Stuart (Morton) in her place.

Back in court, seafarer Sir Walter Raleigh (Owen) entertains the queen with his stories of daring. Unable to pursue a romance, Elizabeth watches helplessly as Raleigh gives his heart to lady in waiting Bess (Cornish), then joins Francis Drake to repel the advancing armada.

Elizabeth: The Golden Age is a ravishing period piece, painstakingly recreating the opulence of the 16th century court. As history lessons go, this is as sumptuous and dazzling as they come; the accuracy of William Nicholson and Michael Hirst's facts are, however, sometimes questionable.

Virtuoso

Kapur's film is distinguished by another virtuoso performance from Blanchett, as the strong-willed woman born into power who rues, "I have given England my life. It must also have my soul."

Owen cuts a dashing figure as Raleigh and Geoffrey Rush is an insidious presence as spymaster Sir Francis Walsingham, protecting his queen from traitors on both sides of the Channel.

Molla and his countrymen are pantomime villains writ large while Morton chews scenery as the scheming usurper, who waits patiently for news of her cousin's assassination.

Historical veracity is blown to smithereens during the climactic battle, as Elizabeth stands proudly atop the white cliffs of Dover, her frock billowing in the winds of change.

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