Mary Queen of Scots #FilmReview #BriFri
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Last week, I shared my connections to Victoria, Season 3. Heather reviewed a fun and unconventional romance: Mrs. Martin’s Incomparable Adventure by Courtney Milan. Sim shared her list of 10 Ways to Know You’re a Brit at Heart. Gaele reviewed Secrets of Willow House by Susanne O’Leary and The Little Guesthouse of New Beginnings by Donna Ashcroft
Mary, Queen of Scots, returns to Scotland to take the throne after the death of her husband, Francis II (briefly King of France). Elizabeth, Queen of England, is threatened by Mary’s claim to the English throne and by her Catholicism, which comes with some European support.
A 2018 film about Mary Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I
There is an element in the film, that I’m not sure was present in history, about both Mary and Elizabeth doing their best to rule effectively in a man’s world. And, sharing that experience with each other. I enjoyed that aspect, true or not.
The two queens, along with their councils, negotiate and prevaricate about who Mary will marry. A Protestant? A Catholic? An Englishman? Mary’s choice of a Catholic Englishman caused a civil war in Scotland, with the opposing side led by her half-brother.
I enjoyed Mary Queen of Scots, as a review of that part of British history, one that I always seem to get a bit muddled. Rick fell asleep, twice, since we watched it over two nights. So, there are two conflicting opinions.
I say “go for it” if you like dramatizations of British history and the actors (it took me a while to spot David Tennant, even when I recognized his voice — who is that guy?)
Have you seen Mary Queen of Scots? What did you think?
I read about Northern Ireland, the Troubles, and Gerry Adams. It was not a lot of fun.
According to the History Extra podcasts (Oh How I LOVE them) the two never met -but that both had lamented (in different ways with differing levels of vehemence) the difficulties of rule and the additions due to their being female. they also do a really good job of ‘placing’ the film / events in a timeframe that shows the other events that happened and could have increased (or decreased) the perceived threats that Mary’s presence represented. I’ve yet to see it – soon though.
Thanks! I just downloaded that episode to listen later this weekend.
I didn’t know David Tennant was in this show. Probably my husband would fall asleep
I’d like to see it though.
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