Critic Reviews
75
Metascore
Generally Favorable
positive
25(83%)
mixed
4(13%)
negative
1(3%)
Showing 30 Critic Reviews
100
This historical epic about the "virgin queen" of England's early life moves with the crackling urgency of a contemporary political thriller.
90
The fabulous Elizabeth reinvents English Tudor history as gangster movie.
90
Superior historical soap opera that shrewdly sidesteps all the cliches of British costume drama with its bold, often modern approach.
90
Where Elizabeth really triumphs over its dusty source material is in transforming all this boring history into a real, rip-roaring adventure tale.
90
What's best about the film is not the hot romance, but the coldness that lies at its heart.
88
A fascinating whirl of politics and palace intrigue.
88
The texture of the film is enough to recommend it, even apart from the story.
83
This is a sensual, psychologically modern costume drama influenced by both "The Godfather" and gals' guides to empowerment.
80
Elizabeth's most triumphant aspect is Blanchett's transformation from saucy, spirited toe-tapper to iconic Virgin Queen.
80
The movie's approach makes for juicy melodrama.
