Intense and solid acting, an engaging story on a grand scale, resounding music and beautiful cinematography are only a few words that describe director Shekhar Kapur’s film, “Elizabeth: The Golden Age.”

It boasts not only high-caliber performances by Cate Blanchett and Geoffrey Rush, who reprise their roles as Queen Elizabeth and Sir Francis Walsingham from the original 1998 Oscar-winner “Elizabeth,” but also provides a quality troupe of actors, including Clive Owen, Abbie Cornish, Jordi Molla and Samantha Morton. With all these elements, this film is begging to be seen by all who love history or great artistry at work.

The story begins with the Protestant Queen of England under threat of attack from the Spanish King Phillip II (Jordi Molla) who wants England for himself, and with the Queen’s second cousin, Mary Stuart (Samantha Morton) plotting her death in order to usurp the throne. Things get even more complicated when one of her ladies-in-waiting becomes entangled with English pirate, Sir Walter Raleigh (Clive Owen), for whom the Queen has a fancy.

Blanchett elicits one of her most compelling and award-worthy performances to date as a queen with the perfect balance of strength and fragility. As the story progresses, she, with the help from Walsingham, attempts to get through these external and internal conflicts unscathed and win the day.

While “Elizabeth: The Golden Age” is quite a cinematic feat, it is not without its weaknesses. There are points in the film in which the speeches and music are too grand and boisterous, becoming almost goddess worship of Queen Elizabeth.

This attitude also makes certain points of the film seem a little historically contrived and off-putting, but these points are in the minority. Also, there are some places where the dialogue could have been tightened, but overall, this issue is also minor. For the most part, all of these issues in the film are common problems even found in some classic films, so the negative aspects do not undermine the film’s effect.

The sheer beauty and enthralling story should draw in most who are willing to experience it. This is a must-see film for anyone who loves good acting and a compelling story or who are interested in history. “Elizabeth: The Golden Age” is rated PG-13 for violence and sexuality.