Best Films Set in Tudor England

The English rulers known as the Tudors have always been a favorite part of the cinema. From the many wives of Henry VIII to the glorious reign of Elizabeth I, we love to see the antics of royal personages on the silver. This article, the first in a series, will describe some of the best films set during the Tudor period of English history.

Elizabeth

This film, starring the truly fantastic Cate Blanchett in the title role, is a triumph of filmmaking, if not of historical accuracy. Although it plays fast and loose with history, it does an excellent job of bringing to light the many struggles that Elizabeth faced during her reign, including conspiracies and, of course, her own troubled love life. If there is any actress that can truly embody the fiery creature that was Elizabeth I, that would be Cate Blanchett.

Elizabeth: The Golden Age

Produced as a sequel to "Elizabeth," this film details the queen's life as she moves into the latter part of her reign. We see her confront the Spanish Armada and a plot to topple her from her throne, while also struggling with the ever-present affairs of the heart. Although not quite as tense as the first film, this one is a success as far as Blanchett is concerned, and the stages are an absolute delight to behold. This is sure to please anyone who loves the sheer pleasure of seeing the past brought to life in all of its sweeping grandeur.

Elizabeth I

Produced and shown in HBO, this film tells the poignant story of the latter part of Elizabeth's reign, focusing in particular on her waning relationship with Robert Dudley and later his stepson, who eventually betrayed her and was executed. Helen Mirren stars in this lavish production, and she certainly portrays a fine Elizabeth. Bringing to bear all of the considerable acting ability that enabled her to make Elizabeth II even more iconic than before, she certainly does the same for the first Elizabeth.

The Other Boleyn Girl

This film, starring Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson, tells the story of the Boleyn sisters, Anne and Mary, and their rivalry over the love of the tempestuous and unpredictable Henry VIII. Based on the bestselling novel by English historical novelist Philippa Gregory, the film does a good job of depicting the ways in which women's bodies were often commodities to be exchanged among men during the tumultuous Tudor period (although it simplifies the politics concerned). By the end of the film we have come to root for both Boleyn sisters, even though we know that only one of them will survive.

These films, although made in different years and by different directors, nevertheless succeed in bringing to life the glitz, glamour, and danger that were all a part of living in Tudor England.