MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS – A Review by Cynthia Flores
Mary Queen of Scots is a brilliant film about Mary Stuart (Saoirse Ronan), the only surviving legitimate child of King James V. We meet her in this film as she returns home to Scotland from France. She was the widow of the Dauphin of France who briefly became king of France before his death making Mary Queen Consort of France.
Mary longed to go home to Scotland and begin ruling her throne there that her half illegitimate brother James, Earl of Moray (James McArdle) ruled as regent in her absence. With her return, great turbulence began. James was not happy to give up his power at home. Also, the Protestant royal court in England where the never married Queen Elizabeth I (Margot Robbie) ruled was of the opinion that Mary, her cousin, was thought of as the true heir to the British throne by the Catholics of the country and she might assert her right to the throne there as well. Add to that the affair she had with Robert Dudley Earl of Leicester (Joe Alwin) and the fact she refused to wed him. Trouble for both the women rulers.
If this all sounds complicated, it is. But films about 1600-era European history always are. Lucky for us this history is full of intrigue, murder, and power grabs. Mary Queen Of Scots is beautifully shot, Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie are fearsome in their roles as they bring both queens to life with their fiery performances. The only bad thing I can say about the film is its length. It is a mostly slow-paced, two-hour film. So, go to the restroom before you sit down.
If you’re in the mood to spend some time in the Scotland and England of the 1500s, then put on your best bodice or silk doublets and enjoy this delicious drama. I give this movie a solid A rating.
Directed by Josie Rourke
Written By Beau Willimon, John Guy
Rated R
Selig Rating A
Running Time 2hr 4min
Drama / History / Biography
Limited to wide Release December 14th Landmark Magnolia, The Angelika Film Center Plano
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Margot Robbie, Jack Lowden, James McArdle
The Selig Rating Scale:
A – Excellent movie, well worth the price.
B – Good movie
C – OK movie
D – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
F – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn’t paid for it.
