In 1999 Cate Blachett turned in an electrifying display in Elizabeth, now she reprises the role in Shekhar Kapur's sweeping historical drama.

Reuniting with Kapur for this belated sequel, the statuesque Australian actress may yet claim an Oscar as the strident Virgin Queen.

Elizabeth: The Golden Age (it couldn't really ahve been called Elizabeth II for obvious reasons) is a ravishing period piece, which charts the tumultuous years when Spain's Catholic monarchy declared war on the Protestant monarch.

Production designer Guy Dyas and his team painstakingly recreate the opulence of the 16th century court and the high drama at sea, as Francis Drake attempts to repel the military might of the Spanish armada.

The film opens in 1585. Elizabeth I (Blanchett) has been on the throne for almost three decades but the winds of religious discord are blowing uneasily throughout the land.

Across the Channel, Spain's King Phillip II (Molla) is preparing to despatch his fleet of ships with the intention of removing the Protestant queen from the throne and installing cousin Mary Stuart (Morton) in her place.

Elizabeth's burgeoning relationship with seafarer Sir Walter Raleigh (Clive Owen), a commoner with bountiful charm, sets tongues a-wagging.

His lust for life excites the queen and Raleigh is one of the few men to openly challenge her.

Unable to pursue the romance, Elizabeth watches as Raleigh gives his heart instead to lady in waiting, Bess (Abbie Cornish).

Her rage and despair becomes a guiding light in the battle against the Spanish.

Elizabeth: The Golden Age is distinguished by another virtuoso performance from Blanchett, as the strong-willed woman born into power.

Owen cuts a dashing figure as Raleigh and Geoffrey Rush is an insidious presence as spymaster Sir Francis Walsingham.

The romance between Elizabeth and Raleigh tugs the heartstrings, as the queen agonises over her duty to her people and her wounded heart.

Historical veracity is blown to smithereens during the climactic battle, as Elizabeth stands proudly atop the white cliffs of Dover, her frock billowing in the winds of change, witnessing her country's finest hour.