This film explores the turbulent life of
the charismatic Mary Stuart and it’s based on the biography “Queen of Scots:
The True Life of Mary Stuart.” She
was the Queen of France at age 16 and widowed at age 18. She defied pressure to
remarry in France and she returned to her native Scotland to reclaim her
rightful throne in 1561 at the age of 19.
Scotland and England are under the rule of the compelling Elizabeth
I. Each young Queen both fears and
is fascinated by her rival in power and in love. Mary asserts her claim to the English throne and this
threatens Elizabeth’s sovereignty.
There is betrayal, rebellion and conspiracies within each court that
imperils both thrones.
Everything about this film is complicated and everyone has an agenda to
further interests of their own at all times. There were scenes where I didn’t understand what was
happening and why? Mary has
problems with support from her half brother, the Earl of Moray and he starts a
rebellion against her. There is
also John Knox and he vehemently preaches to his parish that Mary is not worthy
to be their queen. Mary is trying
to create a bond with Elizabeth and she asks her to be her son’s godmother. They both agree that the child will be
the heir to the throne. This action
enrages the English court. Demands
are being made of Mary in Scotland and she flees to England. Elizabeth agrees to allow Mary to stay
in England under house arrest and as long as she does not conspire with the
enemies of Elizabeth. As they say,
the rest of the story is history!! 3* (This
movie is OK)
124 min, Bio directed by Josie
Rourke with Saoirse Ronan, Margot Robbie, Jack Lowden, Angela Bain, Richard
Cant, Guy Rhys, Thom Petty, Izuka Hoyle, John Ramm, Simon Russell Beale, Abby
Cassidy, Shalisha James-Davis, Maria Dragus, Eileen O’Higgins, Liah O’Prey,
Greg Miller Burns.
Note: Imdb 6.3 out of 10, Roger Ebert 2 ½*
Monica Castillo, Rotten Tomatoes 63% critic 41% audience, The Guardian 4* out
of 5* Benjamin Lee, Deep Focus 2 ½* out of 4* Brian Eggert, BBC.com 2* out of
5* Nicholas Barber, Amazon 3.28 out of 5* with 246 reviews.
Special Note: Filmed in Scotland, UK and England,
UK. Horsemaster Camilla Naprous
trained Saoirse to ride and she previously worked with Gal Gadot for her role
as Wonder Woman 2017. Both novice
riders were trained on a horse named Prince. Queen Elizabeth never ruled Scotland and this has led to
protests in more recent times about the sitting British queen being called
Elizabeth II. The lyrics of a folk
song “Coronation Coronach” include “How can ye hae the Second Liz/Whan the
First yins’; nivver been”?
Historical Inaccuracies: Mary’s accent is questionable. In the movie, it’s Scottish but Mary
probably spoke with a French accent.
There is a diverse cast but there probably were few people from Africa or Asia
in 16th-century England.
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