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"ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE" (2007) (Cate Blanchett, Clive Owen) (PG-13) Alcohol/ Drugs Blood/Gore Disrespectful/ Bad Attitude Frightening/ Tense Scenes Guns/ Weapons *Mild Heavy Extreme *Moderate Extreme Imitative Behavior Jump Scenes Music (Scary/Tense) Music (Inappropriate) Profanity Minor None Heavy None *Heavy Sex/ Nudity Smoking Tense Family Scenes Topics To Talk About Violence Heavy Minor Moderate Moderate Extreme QUICK TAKE: Drama: Queen Elizabeth I finds herself entranced by a legendary explorer, all while contending with the Spanish wanting to end her Protestant rule of England. PLOT: It's 1585 and King Philip II of Spain (JORDI MOLLA) is extending his rule of Catholicism across Europe, but his only impediment is England, run by the protestant Queen Elizabeth I (CATE BLANCHETT), his former sister-in-law. He isn't happy that the Queen has imprisoned her Catholic cousin Mary Stuart (SAMANTHA MORTON) who's next in line to succeed her and thought by many to be deserving of the throne now. Accordingly, the Queen's closest advisor, Sir Francis Walsingham (GEOFFREY RUSH), is quick to point out that there's a Catholic conspiracy to have her killed, and that she should produce an heir to keep the throne in her bloodline. Yet, with lady-in-waiting Elizabeth "Bess" Throckmorton (ABBIE CORNISH) at her side, the Queen doesn't find any of her potential suitors to her liking. That is, except for British explorer Sir Walter Raleigh (CLIVE OWEN) who desires the Queen's favors to finance his next expedition, but also treats her differently than everyone else. That very attitude and his tales of the New World attract her, but not wanting to get to close, she commands Bess to keep tabs on him, an order she takes both to heart and to body. With Philip II building an impressive armada of warships, and assassination plots running underfoot, the Queen must decide not only how to deal with all of that, but also her conflicted feelings toward Walter. WILL KIDS WANT TO SEE IT? If they're fans of the first film, anyone in the cast, or period costume dramas, they just might. WHY THE MPAA RATED IT: PG-13 For violence, some sexuality and nudity. CAST AS ROLE MODELS: CATE BLANCHETT plays the Protestant queen of England, prim and haughty on the outside, but an occasionally uncertain woman on the inside who must not only contend with the desire of others to remove her from the throne (including killing her), but also her conflicted feelings toward Walter. CLIVE OWEN plays a dashing English explorer and possible part-time pirate who's returned from the New World and wishes for the Queen to finance additional explorations. He fascinates the Queen by his roguish ways and flirts with her, but ends up impregnating Bess instead. GEOFFREY RUSH plays the Queen's closest advisor who warns her of the dangers facing her and her monarchy. JORDI MOLLA plays the Queen's former brother-in-law, the King of Spain who desires to overthrow her and her Protestant rule of England, and thus sends a naval armada to defeat her forces. ABBIE CORNISH plays the Queen's lady-in-waiting who ends up getting pregnant by Walter after being ordered to keep dibs on him. SAMANTHA MORTON plays the Queen's cousin, imprisoned for being her Catholic successor. From her prison cell, she attempts to undermine the Queen's rule. CAST, CREW, & TECHNICAL INFO HOW OTHERS RATED THIS MOVIE Curious if this title is entertaining, any good, and/or has any artistic merit? Then read OUR TAKE of this film. (Note: The "Our Take" review of this title examines the film's artistic merits and does not take into account any of the possibly objectionable material listed below). OUR WORD TO PARENTS: Here's a quick look at the content found in this PG-13 rated drama. There is a possible sexual use of the "f" word (or what sounded like it, and in the proper context), but only a smattering of other expletives and colorful phrases. Other sexually related dialogue is present, as is the beginning of a sexual encounter (that results in a pregnancy), while nonsexual nudity includes a woman's full rear view, the mostly bare breasts of another woman, and the partial side view of a seated male prisoner's butt. Cleavage is also present. Violence includes naval battle footage where people and ships are hit by cannon fire (sometimes with bloody results), while executions, murder, and torture also occur (also with varying degrees of bloody results). Those scenes might be unsettling or suspenseful to viewers, while various characters have varying degrees of bad attitudes. Some tense family material is present, two women briefly experiment with smoking tobacco, and some drinking is suggested. If you're still concerned about the film and its appropriateness for yourself or anyone else in your home who may be interested in seeing it, we suggest that you take a closer look at our detailed listings for more specific information regarding the film's content. For those concerned with bright flashes of light on the screen, there's some of that from flames in a fireplace. For those prone to visually induced motion sickness, there are varying amounts of camera movement at various points in the film (including spin around shots). ALCOHOL OR DRUG USE At various times in the film, people hold goblets, but we don't know the contents of them (although it's implied that it's probably alcoholic in nature). BLOOD/GORE A traitor is dragged along by several men, punched, kicked, and a knife is slowly stuck into his mouth. That has bloody results around his mouth, and another person then shoots him in the head with a musket (seen from a distance, with no blood). Some men grab Bess's cousin and drag him away. We then see him in a spiked cage that has resulted in various bloody wounds on his face and body. We also see another man in the same condition, after he's been released from his cage. A bloody man is executed by hanging, but we only see his feet drop through the trap door, and they quiver a few times. A man appears to have some blood on his face. We see a somewhat bloody prisoner seated on the floor with his arms around his knees that are drawn to his chest, and we see the side of his bare butt. Cannon fire is exchanged between ships in a naval battle. Various blasts and explosions hit various ships, with miscellaneous sailors being knocked and blasted about. Some of that has bloody results, such as one sailor pulling himself along the deck, trailing blood, and appearing to have lost a leg. We also see a person dangling while tangled in ropes, as well as another bloody person who is suddenly blown aside by another explosion. DISRESPECTFUL/BAD ATTITUDE Various people, including Mary Stuart, plot to overthrow and/or kill the Queen. Some viewers might not like the Catholics being portrayed as the villains. A Spanish official refers to Queen Elizabeth as a "whore." Referring to Walter, a Spanish official says he is sensitive to the smell of an open sewer. A Spanish official mockingly states that the British orders only come through Queen Elizabeth's bed. About Queen Elizabeth being called the Virgin Queen, Mary Queen of Scots asks why that is, adding can it be that no man will have her. An acquaintance to Francis slowly approaches him from behind, but Francis realizes what is occurring, and calmly removes a large knife from that man. A man knocks down another person and is grabbed by guards, while a second man runs in and holds a pistol on Queen Elizabeth. Alarmed but poised, Queen Elizabeth rises and slowly approaches that man who then fires a shot, but we later learn that no one was hit. FRIGHTENING SCENES Scenes listed under "Violence" may be unsettling or suspenseful to younger viewers and/or those with low tolerance levels for such material. A traitor is dragged along by several men, punched, kicked, and a knife is slowly stuck into his mouth. That has bloody results around his mouth, and another person then shoots him in the head with a musket (seen from a distance, with no blood). Some men grab Bess's cousin and drag him away. We then see him in a spiked cage that has resulted in various bloody wounds on his face and body. We also see another man in the same condition, after he's been released from his cage. A bloody man is executed by hanging, but we only see his feet drop through the trap door, and they quiver a few times. An acquaintance to Francis slowly approaches him from behind, but Francis realizes what is occurring, and calmly removes a large knife from that man. A man knocks down another person and is grabbed by guards, while a second man runs in and holds a pistol on Queen Elizabeth. Alarmed but poised, Queen Elizabeth rises and slowly approaches that man who then fires a shot, but we later learn that no one was hit. We see the slow build up to the execution of a woman by beheading. The woman is made to kneel at the platform, with her head on it, and her arms are behind her. We then see the executioner aim his ax at her neck, lift the blade, and then begin his swing. We hear, but don't see the impact of the beheading. Cannon fire is exchanged between ships in a naval battle. Various blasts and explosions hit various ships, with miscellaneous sailors being knocked and blasted about. Some of that has bloody results, such as one sailor pulling himself along the deck, trailing blood, and appearing to have lost a leg. We also see a person dangling while tangled in ropes, as well as another bloody person who is suddenly blown aside by another explosion. Some kids may worry about horses seen on a Spanish ship that's under attack (at least one is seen swimming away from the battle). GUNS/WEAPONS Pistols/Rifles/Knives/Cannons: Carried and/or used to threaten, wound or kill others and/or cause property damage. See "Violence" for details. Walter wears a sword on his hip. IMITATIVE BEHAVIOR Phrases: "Bastard," "Whore," "Who the hell are you?" and "Bitch." JUMP SCENES None. MUSIC (SCARY/TENSE) A heavy amount of ominous, suspenseful, and heavily dramatic music plays in the film. MUSIC (INAPPROPRIATE) None. PROFANITY At least what sounded like 1 possible sexual use of the "f" word, 1 damn, 1 hell, and 1 use of "By (or My) God." SEX/NUDITY Bess shows cleavage in various period dresses. Francis states that virginity is an asset that holds its value well (referring to Queen Elizabeth's state). Walter has just arrived from America, and tells Queen Elizabeth that he has named Virginia for her. She then half jokes what he would have called it if she were married, guessing "Conjugia" (or something similar sounding, presumably meant sexually due to the contrast with the first name). We see some miscellaneous cleavage. In some sort of presentation for Queen Elizabeth, we see a painted woman and the shape of her otherwise bare breasts under that paint, while her nipples are covered with something. We also see a shirtless man. A small statue shows a bare penis. Mary Queen of Scots occasionally show some cleavage. Queen Elizabeth and Bess talk about men, with Queen Elizabeth adding something about "the other thing too," stating that all men want that. Walter half jokingly states that neither Queen Elizabeth nor Bess can be on their ship back to the New World, saying that men have needs, and that a beautiful woman among 100 men on a ship would drive them mad. Queen Elizabeth then makes some slightly suggestive comment about the needs of men on land. A Spanish official mockingly states that the British orders only come through Queen Elizabeth's bed. Walter and Bess do some brief passionate and clothed kissing. About Queen Elizabeth being called the Virgin Queen, Mary Queen of Scots asks why that is, adding can it be that no man will have her. Walter kisses Bess on her bare shoulder, reaches his hand around and seemingly down into her cleavage, and undoes the drawstrings at the top of her dress. The scene then cuts to Queen Elizabeth dropping her clothes in another room, allowing us to see her full rear nudity from a little bit of a distance. We then see another shot of Walter kissing on Bess, and sex is implied, especially after Bess later reports that she is pregnant. Queen Elizabeth orders Walter to practice some sort of dance with Bess, which involves him lifting her off the floor, and it appears that he puts one hand at her clothed crotch to do so while lifting her. We see a somewhat bloody prisoner seated on the floor with his arms around his knees that are drawn to his chest, and we see the side of his bare butt. It seems as if the Queen is asking Walter to have sex with her, when she says she wants to do something she hasn't known for a long time. But that turns out to be just a kiss with Walter. Upon learning that Bess is pregnant by Walter, Queen Elizabeth becomes quite mad at her, and slaps and whacks at Bess. It then sounds like Queen Elizabeth angrily tells Bess that she can only "f*ck" (among other things) with her permission. SMOKING Queen Elizabeth and Bess try smoking tobacco from a pipe for the first time, after Walter has brought tobacco back from the New World. TENSE FAMILY SCENES Bess feels guilty for having turned in her cousin, a traitor to the monarchy, resulting in his execution. Queen Elizabeth's former brother-in-law, King Phillip II, desires to overthrow and/or kill her, while she has Mary Stuart (her cousin) imprisoned and later executed (although she second-guesses the latter act). Queen Elizabeth rhetorically asks whether it was her father's duty to murder her mother. We see Francis on his deathbed, along with two women who are grief stricken (one or both may be family members). TOPICS TO TALK ABOUT The film's historical accuracy and/or artistic license taken with the truth. The fact that religious differences helped fuel the international battle that takes place. Queen Elizabeth's proclamation that there will be no punishment for one's beliefs, but only their deeds. Queen Elizabeth stating that she finds the impossible far more interesting than other related matters. Francis states that virginity is an asset that holds its value well (referring to Queen Elizabeth's state). Queen Elizabeth stating that the way she deals with royalty is imagining a pane of glass between her and everyone else, where they can see but cannot touch her. Queen Elizabeth and Bess try smoking tobacco from a pipe for the first time, after Walter has brought tobacco back from the New World. The practice of astrology. Walter tells Queen Elizabeth that she eats and drinks control. Queen Elizabeth rhetorically asks whether it was her father's duty to murder her mother (referring to Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn). Francis realizing that the execution of Mary Queen of Scots became the Spaniards reason for going to war with England. The question of why be afraid of tomorrow, when all we have is today. VIOLENCE Queen Elizabeth whacks Francis on the back of the head for discussing her personal matters in public. A traitor is dragged along by several men, punched, kicked, and a knife is slowly stuck into his mouth. That has bloody results around his mouth, and another person then shoots him in the head with a musket (seen from a distance, with no blood). Some men grab Bess's cousin and drag him away. We then see him in a spiked cage that has resulted in various bloody wounds on his face and body. We also see another man in the same condition, after he's been released from his cage. A bloody man is executed by hanging, but we only see his feet drop through the trap door, and they quiver a few times. A man knocks down another person and is grabbed by guards, while a second man runs in and holds a pistol on Queen Elizabeth. Alarmed but poised, Queen Elizabeth rises and slowly approaches that man who then fires a shot, but we later learn that no one was hit. We see the slow build up to the execution of a woman by beheading. The woman is made to kneel at the platform, with her head on it, and her arms are behind her. We then see the executioner aim his ax at her neck, lift the blade, and then begin his swing. We hear, but don't see the impact of the beheading. We see some cannons firing, but don't see any impact. Upon learning that Bess is pregnant by Walter, Queen Elizabeth becomes quite mad at her, and slaps and whacks at Bess. Cannon fire is exchanged between ships in a naval battle. Various blasts and explosions hit various ships, with miscellaneous sailors being knocked and blasted about. Some of that has bloody results, such as one sailor pulling himself along the deck, trailing blood, and appearing to have lost a leg. We also see a person dangling while tangled in ropes, as well as another bloody person who is suddenly blown aside by another explosion. Walter and others evacuate their ships that they have set up as floating bombs. Walter then leaps from his and swims underwater as the ship crashes bow first into another and partially explodes. People are knocked aside and various horses onboard the Spanish ships panic, with one leaping overboard and then seen swimming to the water. We also see several bodies floating in the water (seen from below the surface), as well as a distant view by Queen Elizabeth of the Spanish Armada burning at sea. Reviewed October 9, 2007 / Posted October 12, 2007

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