Shekhar Kapur's brilliant film interpretation of Elizabeth radiates a spectacular combination of cinematography and talented actors to dramatize the magnanimous character of England's most reputable former queen, Elizabeth I. Although not void of historical inaccuracies, the film generally respects the significant events and circumstances leading to Elizabeth's succession to the throne. The historical timeline, however, is much too expansive and the film unfortunately exhibits the flaws of such time constraints. The distorted facts are purposeful: they allow directors flexibility to achieve the demands of Hollywood entertainment and most importantly, to exaggerate the impact of the film's perspective on gender roles: an insecure, fragile woman who ascends the throne must exchange her weaknesses for the dominant leadership abilities of a man in order to unite a country shattered by religious differences.
The film commences with violent riots between Catholics and Protestants. England's religious conflict was eminent in all social levels from peasant rivalries to the monarchial disputes that collapsed the economy and generated crude violence. Mary, Elizabeth's half sister was a conservative Catholic and held a strong opposition against Protestantism which may have been her motive for imprisoning Elizabeth for allegedly supporting a Protestant rebellion with Thomas Wyatt to seize the throne. In the film, Elizabeth is imprisoned in the Tower of London; however, the length of her sentence is vague. Also, the film fails to include her one year sentence under house arrest at Woodstock, Oxfordshire. Her release was at the behest of King Phillip of Spain, Mary's husband who aware of his wife's poor health wanted to befriend .
Elizabeth should she succeed the throne; and thus, preserve peaceful negotiations between England and Spain (Britannia).
A major flaw in the film is the depiction of Elizabeth's character and personality.