I had actually never seen this movie before, the renaissance and Elizabeth’s reign not being my particular area of historical interest (though I do think she was an incredible woman!) but I wanted to see it before watching the sequel which has just come out on DVD, Elizabeth: The Golden Age.

Knowing as little as I do about the period, I still have to say my overall impression of the film was that it was shockingly inaccurate on so many accounts. I still enjoyed it, much as I did Marie Antoinette, for the acting, costumes and scenery but I would not recommend it to anyone wanting to learn about the famous queen! I think they also over simplified the factions at the time, vilifying the Catholic church and making a mockery of the French. I lost a bit of respect for the filmmakers on both accounts.

My favourite part of the film was actually the first few scenes of Elizabeth while she is still living in the country with her ladies. The pastoral landscape is breathtaking and I love her little stone tower. They all wear beautiful dresses in rich colours (this photo is of Elizabeth from that scene) and dance in the meadows to the playing of a minstrel. The Princess Elizabeth comes up laughing and riding upon her horse. The whole setting was just so utopian for me, I wished the whole story could remain there.

It does not, of course, but instead loosely follows the events of her life with a strong emphasis on her relationship with Robert Dudley (Joseph Fiennes who also plays William Shakespeare in ‘Shakespeare in Love’) and her refusal to choose a husband. I don’t think the plot flowed very well, and ended a bit abruptly, but it was easy enough to keep up.

What saved the movie was some really superb acting. Cate Blanchett seized the role and made a stunning Elizabeth and Geoffery Rush was both charming and chilling as Walsingham. Despite the scripting, they were both passionate and believable. I’m really looking forward to seeing them in the sequel!

I think it was worth watching, and some of the beautiful scenes like the masquerade on the lake, made up for the story. Just take it with a grain of salt and read a good biography if you want to learn about the real Elizabeth.

I hope you haven’t forgotton, our first International Princess Day (May 5th) is just under three weeks away! Do you know what you’re going to do yet? Are you going to take the day off, or maybe participate on Sunday instead? Are you going to use it as an excuse to have some indulgent ‘me time’ or celebrate with your friends? Here are a few suggestions that might inspire you.

Start your day off in the most beautiful way possible (without sleeping it away!) leave your curtains open so that you might be awakened by the first rays of morning light as they fall upon your face. Have breakfast in bed, some fresh fruit perhaps and your favourite tea. Listen to the sounds of the birds outside, read a few pages of a favourite book, or a poem like this one.

Choose your outfits for the day. They don’t have to be your most formal, or impressive, but something simple and sweet and fun. Allow yourself to wear some jewelry, a little perfume and, if suitable, maybe a crown or tiara, to remind yourself that today you are royalty.

Put on some music if you are spending part of the day at home, perhaps some Medieval dance music, lilting classical or baroque or just make a play list of all you favourite ‘pick me up’ songs, nothing angsty or sad. Feel free to sing along and dance as much as you like.

If you choose to go out, pick a destination a little different to where you would normally go. You might like to visit an interesting store that’s recently opened, see a new movie, have a manicure, go window shopping, have high tea at a cafe or tearoom, go antiquing, visit a museum, art gallery or library. Allow yourself plenty of time to enjoy each experience and don’t fret over anything, this is your chance to indulge a little.

For more nature loving Princesses, if the weather is nice you may like to take a walk somewhere. In the park or forest or perhaps beside the sea. Notice what flowers are blooming and keep an eye out for furry and feathered friends. If you feel the whim, just stretch out on the grass and watch the clouds go by.

End the day on a high note. Go out for dinner to a fancy restaurant or cook your favourite meal, followed by some wickedly rich dessert. You might like to have a warm scented bath before bed, or spend an hour brushing your hair. Flip through some magazines, read a fairytale and take the time to write all about your day in you diary.

Personally, I’m going to invite some friends over the night before for a little party and then take the whole day off, though my plans for that are secret! These are just suggestions, and its important to spend your Princess Day doing things you love and find enjoyable and uplifting. I look forward to hearing all about your adventures!