THE return of Cate Blanchett as the Virgin Queen. This was a time in history that in spite of Elizabeth s reign over decades, the country was still under threat. There is her cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots, still plotting to take over the throne while King

THE return of Cate Blanchett as the Virgin Queen.

This was a time in history that in spite of Elizabeth's reign over decades, the country was still under threat.

There is her cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots, still plotting to take over the throne while King Philip II in Spain is planning his armada.

Blanchett still has the skill and tenacity to dominate the role and is given good support from Samantha Morton as Mary, Queen of Scots, and Clive Owen as the charming high seas adventurer, Sir Walter Raleigh.

This is a period piece which has re-examined the history of the times and, thus, produced a new look at the ­Elizabethan age.