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Elizabeth

1998 · Movie · R · 123 min · ★ 7.2 · 79% critics

DramaHistory

A young monarch takes the throne in a divided kingdom and must navigate religious conflict, political pressure, and constant threats to her rule. As advisers push her toward a strategic marriage, she faces hard choices between personal feelings and the demands of power, learning what it takes to survive and lead.

Also known as Elizabeth: The Virgin Queen

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Not currently available to stream in the US.

2 hours to watch.

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Details
Years
1998
Release date
1998-09-13
Language
English
Rated
R
Runtime
123 min
Critic score
79/100
TMDB rating
7.2/10 (1,500 votes)
About

You’ll likely enjoy this if you want a tense, drama-heavy royal power struggle with conspiracies and high stakes, similar in spirit to The White Queen; Not for you if you need strict historical accuracy or fast, action-first pacing.

Pros: gripping court intrigue; strong lead performance; lavish period atmosphere | Cons: historical liberties; slow middle stretch; romance may irritate

Themes

  • queen
  • duke
  • treason
  • queen elizabeth i
  • tudor
  • historical figure
  • catholic
  • protestant
  • palace intrigue
  • 16th century
  • british monarchy

Awards & recognition

  • Academy AwardBest Makeup and Hairstyling · 1999
  • National Board of Review: Top Ten Films
  • Academy AwardBest Costume Design · 1999 · nominated
  • Academy AwardBest Actress · 1999 · nominated
  • Academy AwardBest Picture · 1999 · nominated
Show all 9 awards →
  • Academy AwardBest Makeup and Hairstyling · 1999 · nominated
  • Academy AwardBest Cinematography · 1999 · nominated
  • Academy AwardBest Original Dramatic Score · 1999 · nominated
  • Academy AwardBest Production Design · 1999 · nominated

Cast & crew

Directed by Shekhar Kapur