If you love watching shows that discuss the royal family of
England past and present, in particular the past, then by all means make a
point of watching or picking up a copy of ELIZABETH I. It’s a documentary film
that combines re-enacted moments in the life of the famed queen who ruled
England from 1558 until her death in 1603. And unlike most documentaries on the
subject the method used here brings the subject to life.
Broken up into three sections the series aired in 2017 but
is now available thanks to Acorn Video. The series is narrated by Leeds
historian Dan Jones who along with Dr. Suzannah Lipscomb provides the
historical details of the monarch’s life. Walking through various locations
where actual events took place they set the dramas up that are acted out.
I could provide in detail the events covered in her life and
the tragedies that befell this queen but that would take away the enjoyment
those who like these types of shows would get from watching. Suffice to say
that the three sections are broken in the best way possible with the first
covering her early life including her involvement (or lack of) with her father
Henry VIII and her rise to the crown, the second covering her early years and
in particular the battles she had with her cousin Mary Queen of Scots and the
third section taking us through her final years and battles before she passed
away.
The performances of all involved are much better than one
would expect from the standard re-enactment style shows. It was nice to know
that rather than employ unknown actors in major roles they chose instead to
insert a few recognizable faces. It pays off. The same holds true for using
actual locations when available.
The end result is an interesting show to watch and one that
I would guess would be binge watched rather than strung out over several
nights. It is both entertaining and enlightening. Acorn has done all a service
by offering this one on disc. I would suggest that history departments in
schools pick up a copy to have on hand. It just might help get a young person
interested in history.
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