Elizabeth

Bold and sumptuous historical drama following the strict upbringing of the self-styled Virgin Queen as she is prepared by her tutors to take on the responsibilities of royalty. It explores her thwarted romance with childhood sweetheart Robert Dudley, and chronicles events up until her famous decision to rule alone instead of marrying. The luminous Cate Blanchett is on top form as the monarch, initially torn between love and duty, who develops into the inspirational leader capable of rallying British troops against the fearsome Spanish Armada. Strong support comes from Christopher Eccleston, Kathy Burke, Geoffrey Rush, Joseph Fiennes, Richard Attenborough, James Frain, John Gielgud and Eric Cantona