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Characters Characters

Queen Elizabeth I

Partly historic

The film captures Elizabeth's strong will and leadership, but also portrays her with emotional vulnerabilities that may not be fully historically accurate.

Sir Walter Raleigh

Partly historic
Charming captain

Raleigh's character is romanticized, and his role in the defeat of the Spanish Armada is exaggerated. His relationship with Elizabeth is heavily fictionalized.

Sir Francis Walsingham

Historic
Loyal spymaster

Walsingham's role as Elizabeth's spymaster and his involvement in uncovering plots against her are accurately depicted. His dedication to protecting Elizabeth is a core part of his historical persona.

King Philip II of Spain

Historic

Philip II's religious zeal and his determination to invade England are accurately portrayed. His motivations and political strategies are consistent with historical records.

Mary Queen of Scots

Bad portrayal

The movie potrays Mary in a way that is very inaccurate. She is shown to have much more freedom than she historically had. Also, the accent used to portray her is inaccurate.

Bess Throckmorton

Probably false

While Bess Throckmorton was a lady-in-waiting, her role in court intrigue and her influence on Elizabeth is exaggerated in the film.

More characters

Spanish portrayal

Bad depiction

The film portrays the Spanish as overly zealous and villainous, which is a somewhat stereotypical and simplistic representation.

Story Story

Elizabeth's reign

True

The film depicts the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, a pivotal period in English history.

Spanish Armada

True

The film portrays the attempted invasion of England by the Spanish Armada in 1588.

Elizabeth's romance with Raleigh

Probably false

While Elizabeth had favorites, a romantic relationship with Walter Raleigh is largely considered a fabrication for dramatic purposes.

Execution of Mary Stuart

True

Mary, Queen of Scots, was executed in 1587 after being implicated in plots against Elizabeth.

Assassination attempts

True

Elizabeth faced numerous assassination attempts throughout her reign, as depicted in the film.

Setting Setting

Religious conflict

Good depiction

The film portrays the religious tensions between Protestants and Catholics during Elizabeth's reign, a key source of conflict.

Exploration and colonization

True

The film tells of English exploration and attempts at colonization in the New World, with figures like Walter Raleigh and Francis Drake.

Court intrigue

Probably true

Elizabethan court was known for its political maneuvering and intrigue, though the film may embellish specific events.

Costumes and sets

Good depiction

The film generally depicts the fashion and architecture of Elizabethan England with reasonable accuracy.