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Title: An inferior sequel
Review: Conflict between Protestants and Catholics flares as Philip II (Jordi Molla) of Spain plots the assassination of Elizabeth I (Cate Blanchett) and the invasion of England. Meanwhile, on the home front, a romantic triangle heats up between Elizabeth, her favorite handmaiden Bess (Abbie Cornish), and Sir Walter Raleigh (Clive Owen).No doubt the first Elizabeth film took its share of liberties with historical fact, but at least it was a serious examination of how a powerful and resourceful woman came to power, maintained her position, and the price she paid for it. This sequel is a combination of soap opera and Errol Flynn-type swashbuckler, peopled by one-dimensional characters.
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