LouHomey From my favorite movies..

Seraherrera The movie is wonderful and true, an act of love in all its contradictions and complexity

Monique One of those movie experiences that is so good it makes you realize you've been grading everything else on a curve.

Darin One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.

robert-259-28954 BRAVO, HBO, for producing a film of such class and emotional power. Seldom am I at a loss for words when describing the acting ability of anyone, but in Helen Mirren's case, I am rendered speechless. As an actor myself, it is habitual to be often over-critical of another's screen performance, no matter their reputation or experience. But in both parts of this two-film masterpiece, all I could see is perfection from stem to stern, a mind blowing tribute to the art and perfection of a single actor's brilliance. It is rare in this day of CGI, gratuitous sex and violence, and making movies for profit only, to witness such an amazing film creation, with values as wonderful to the soul as to the eye and ear. In addition to Mirren's flawless performance, is the inspired casting of another British icon, the great Jeremy Irons, in perhaps the performance of his life. I have often found Mr. Irons to be cold and unemotional in his acting choices, but in this role, he truly took the gloves off, delivering a stunning tour de force on a par with the emotional depth of Ms. Mirren. To miss this motion picture, so lovingly created by HBO, is to deprive yourself of a modern day classic, so rare for this day and age. Don't miss it.

didi-5 Another version of the story of Elizabeth I may have been redundant, but Helen Mirren is really exceptional as the ageing queen trapped by her own stature in life, unable to love or be loved as anyone else unshackled by monarchy could be.Slightly different in story to other versions, this has Leicester throughout the first episode (which also introduces Essex), and then the second episode concentrates on the ruthless ambition of the Earl of Essex, the late favourite of Elizabeth's in old age.Beautifully shot and well-scripted, and with good supporting performances from the likes of Patrick Malahide and Toby Jones, this Elizabeth isn't a dark political thriller like Cate Blanchett's first appearance in the role, or detached from emotion like Glenda Jackson's classic TV performance. Mirren's Elizabeth is almost woman first and queen second.

Brigid O Sullivan (wisewebwoman) This actor never ceases to amaze me. Having seen her riveting performance in "The Queen" for which she was justly and rightly awarded The Oscar, I could hardly wait to get my eyes on this and I was not disappointed.The story has been retold over and over, the reign of the Virgin Queen, Elizabeth I. Good Queen Bess. This production brings a freshness and humanity to this long(4 hour) tale, but every minute counts and I, for one, sighed when it was over, I wanted more.The costumes are incredible, the historical detail superb and Helen brings a humanity to the part that at times is heartbreaking. One understands the turmoil inside, she has not managed to secure a suitable husband or bear a child to inherit the throne. The script brings this humanity to the surface but also the strength of the monarch beneath. A monarch who won every battle, every contest. I could only envision Helen doing the script justice.Jeremy Irons as the Earl of Leichester plays well against her superb talent, bringing the devotion of years of service and love of her to the surface. A love that can never be legalized as he is considered unsuitable for her hand in marriage. The sensuous nature of this love is palpable as he and Mirren interact and weave their intimacies (and none of her relationships were ever consummated) into an intensity that is enthralling.The supporting cast are brilliant, hard to single any one out but it includes Patrick Malahide as Sir Frances Walsingham, Toby Jones (one of my personal favourites - he nails his roles) as Robert Cecil, who works his way to the forefront of the Queen's life even though she refers to him scathingly as "Pygmy", and Ian McDiarmid as William Cecil, a.k.a. Lord Burghley, father of Robert.The delicious Hugh Dancy plays Robert Devereaux, the Earl of Essex. Two sided, self-serving and ingratiating. But lovely. Elizabeth falls hard and sometimes publicly. She is no fool though, with any one of her courtiers. "Off with their heads" is a frequent occurrence and the result is quite graphic and not for young eyes, or older ones, I had to avert my head several times and wondered how on earth the graphic disemboweling, beheading and quartering was done. The beheading of Mary, Queen of Scots, is particularly gruesome from what I saw through my fingers.Not to be missed for fans of historical, epic costume dramas. 9 out of 10. Bravo to all.

X_Natz_X There is so much to say about this amazing TV drama and it certainly is one of the best i have seen by far. It shows Elizabeth Is early and late stages of her reign and a great cast has been selected to fit the roles perfectly including Jeremy Irons, Hugh Dancy and especially Helen Mirren. She displays the emotions brilliantly from passion to rage and truly grips the audience with her fantastic acting. A true icon who couldn't have represented one of Englands best-loved monarchs more perfectly. Once you begin to watch it you cant stop as the great costumes, scenery and script grips you. It is definitely recommended and one to be watched. I think it would be hard to out do this truly captivating drama played by the inspirational Helen Mirren. Not one to forget!!!