Elizabeth I

An explosion of fireworks. [1 May 2006, p.39]

The lavishly beguiling historical drama is pumped up on passion, wit and the majestic fire of Helen Mirren's thrilling performance as one of history's most intriguing rulers.

Elizabeth is mercurial, powerful, unpredictable - qualities made real, and a bit frightening, because of the intensity with which Mirren commits to the role.

Mirren, a true virtuoso at the height of her powers, is what makes this excellent two-part film worth watching, but there are many other pluses as well.

Somewhat plodding through its opening hour, "Elizabeth I" gains steam and then soars through its concluding installment.

[Mirren] delivers big-time... Congratulations should also go to Nigel Williams, whose screenplay for Elizabeth I is as sassy as Tom Stoppard’s was for Shakespeare in Love.

The film as a whole is a strange case of mostly excellent parts that make an overlong and tedious whole.