photo courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures

"A puddle," murmurs Queen Elizabeth I with a sarcastic grin and a lift of the eyebrows. With that one phrase, Sir Walter Raleigh's attempt at chivalry is subtly rebuffed as he gallantly throws his cape in her path to protect her feet from an obtrusive puddle.

This is a response not from an aloof monarch but from a woman full of confidence, humor and regality.

Set in 1585, the film continues the story begun in 1997 by its prequel "Elizabeth." Now following the historical saga of England's virgin queen (Cate Blanchett) 17 years into her reign, the film brings history to life with first class performances and gorgeous visual style.

While working to solve the issues surrounding England's return to Protestantism, Elizabeth finds her throne and her life threatened by Spanish King Phillip II (Jordi Mollà), who wants her country restored to Catholicism, and an assassination plot schemed by none other than her cousin, Mary Stuart (played to perfection by Samantha Morton).

Meanwhile, she develops unexpected feelings for the dashing pirate Raleigh (Clive Owen), confusing matters for the queen who has sworn her mind, body and soul to her country.

Blanchett is captivating in her role as Elizabeth. In the space of five minutes she is able to successfully turn her character from a giggling, witty woman enjoying boating trips with her ladies-in-waiting to the all-powerful, fully-controlled and commanding queen that she was. Audiences will see her laugh, cry, and take control of both her inner struggles and those of England to become the monarch that defined the country's Golden Age.

Supporting her are Geoffrey Rush, successfully reprising his role from the first movie as her loyal advisor and friend, Sir Francis Walsingham, and a beautiful Abbie Cornish as her favorite lady-in-waiting, Bess.

As an historical drama, it shines -- quite literally. The costumes are fantastic, complete with jewels, puffy pantaloons and wigs, giving audiences a real flavor of court life and styles in the Tudor era.

As a whole, the movie is intriguing, enlightening and offers audiences a realistic, though somewhat hurried view of the history surrounding the life of Queen Elizabeth I. For example, one gets the feeling the battle against the Spanish Armada happened in an afternoon.

Viewers will come out of the film with a changed view of one of the most famous female figures in history. Watching this exceptional woman trying to maintain a balance between her personal feelings and her duties to her country is enough to keep audiences on the edge of their seats for the entire 114 minutes.

Bottom Line
Plot..............A
Acting...........A +
Costume/Set Design......A+
Overall..........A