The popular historical drama *Elizabeth*, featuring Cate Blanchett and Joseph Fiennes, is airing on television tonight.
The 1998 movie, directed by Shekhar Kapur and written by Michael Hirst, is set during the beginning of Queen Elizabeth I’s rule (played by Blanchett). It portrays the many attempts to overthrow her and take the throne.
Tonight at 9pm on Film4, don’t miss this period drama featuring a fantastic cast including Geoffrey Rush, Christopher Eccleston, and Daniel Craig. It’s a must-see for fans of the genre!
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When *Elizabeth* was released, it received widespread praise from critics and those in the film industry. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actress, and won five BAFTA Awards from a total of twelve nominations.
The film has been well-received, earning an 84% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 67 reviews, and an even higher 86% audience score from over 50,000 viewers. It also has a respectable 7.4/10 rating on IMDb, based on over 109,000 user ratings.

Critics at Rotten Tomatoes agree that *Elizabeth* isn’t just a historical film-it’s a captivating and tense look at the inner workings of British royalty, with Cate Blanchett delivering another excellent performance.
According to *Time Out*, the film cleverly subverts traditional gender roles, links intimacy with mortality, and portrays intense, troubled emotions with impressive skill. *Empire Magazine* praised it as a strong and visually striking film.
The BBC also praised the film, noting that Kapur skillfully directs a talented cast to create a romantic and thought-provoking story. They highlighted its mature look at the darker side of British history, including themes of betrayal and ruthless ambition.

Cate Blanchett played Queen Elizabeth again almost ten years later in the 2007 film *Elizabeth: The Golden Age*, which depicted the later years of the queen’s rule. Shekhar Kapur directed the sequel, and Blanchett received another Academy Award nomination for her acting.
More recently, Cate Blanchett received praise for her performance in the spy thriller Black Bag. The film centers on George Woodhouse (Michael Fassbender), an MI6 agent who begins to suspect his wife, Kathryn (Blanchett), of treason.
Elizabeth airs at 9pm on Film4 tonight.
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2025-09-16 09:19