Lady Jane
This drama charts a violent slice of English history. For nine politically charged days, Lady Jane Grey (Helena Bonham Carter) rules the country against her will, thanks to a conspiracy concocted by a band bent on keeping the crown away from the Church of Rome. But when Princess Mary, the daughter of King Henry, assumes the throne, Lady Jane and her husband, Guilford Dudley (Cary Elwes), are imprisoned and sentenced to die.
Member Reviews
Interesting Look At The Political Intrigues Of The Tudor Court - revsdd
For anyone interested in the history of England's Tudor dynasty, this is definitely a must-see film. The most famous of the Tudors are King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I, but this film offers up a look at the intrigues within the court in the period between Henry's death and Elizabeth's accession, as Catholic Princess Mary strives to gain the throne after the death of her Protestant brother King Edward VI. The religious divisions caused by Henry VIII's embrace of the Reformation are well documented and believably portrayed.
Helena Bonham Carter plays the title role - Lady Jane Grey - cousin of the young King Edward and a fanatical Protestant who is manouvered into taking the throne after Edward's death at the age of 15. Jane - also 15 - is at first overwhelmed by the thought of being Queen, but then embraces the throne. Her immaturity, however, and wilfullness (not surprisingly for a 15 year old) get the better of her and lead to her downfall after only nine days on the throne, and Mary's accession. Carter was excellent in this role. Cary Elwes also offered up a strong performance as Guilford Dudley, whom Jane is forced to marry against her will, but whom she falls passionately in love with. The supporting cast are all of them quite good. In fact, there really isn't a sub-par performance in this movie.
It isn't perfect. It's a little bit too long, and in the last hour or so you do wonder when it's going to end. Some of the history is questionable. Many historians think that neither Jane nor Edward were as innocent in the plot to keep Mary from the throne as the movie portrays them, and the love story between Jane and Guilford is, as I understand it, largely fictional. But the basics are quite correct, the behind the scenes plotting believably portrayed and the religious struggle of the time absolutely authentic. It's well worth watching this movie if you are interested in this period of English history.Sweet Romance and a Little History - Stitch
Agreed there is no substantial evidence for the love interest around which this story revolves. Instead, documents imply she had no use for hubby whatsoever, supported by the fact she absolutely refused to name him king. And there is no historical support for her prior affection for the young king Edward. But a film dealing with just the facts would have had limited audience appeal indeed and the young lovers are certainly a comely package.
Helen Bonham Carter accurately portrays what was purportedly Lady Jane’s then attitude; she was a very reluctant participant. For the times she was uncharacteristically well educated, yet sadly disliked by her ambitious mother and ruthlessly manipulated. So Bonham Carter effects a believable transition from reticent youth to defiant victim. Eye candy Gary Elwes as Guilford is probably along for young audience appeal--adequate as such but not very convincing as a key player in events.
Aside from Helen, the other standout is John Wood. His characterization accurately exemplifies the motive behind machinations of the era (or any other), namely lust for power. Jane Lapotaire as Queen Mary also does justice to history; she was indeed reluctant to sentence Jane. But note the Queen did not as implied yield to Spanish influence--rather Jane’s fate was sealed by an importune traitorous effort by Protestant nobles to restore her throne. Of which she was unaware and certainly would not have countenanced. As the script plaintively attests, she just wished to go home.
So enjoy a beautifully photographed teen romance flush with utopian ideals but little relevance to broader Tudor society. With flights of geese and soulful poetry, the screenplay towards the end is just a tad syrupy--but will still appeal to the faithful. And some history bits are surprisingly accurate, particularly the concluding details of her fate.
Excellent cinematography capturing the grandeur (and some squalor) of the era.Fictitious Royal Romance - ScarletAngel
Though the love story was completely fictitious, the historical aspect of this film was quite accurate. Through the machinations of her mother, neice to Henry VIII, and the Duke of Northumberland (Edward VI's last advisor), Lady Jane Grey is thrust into marriage with the Duke's youngest son, Guildford, and then thrust onto the throne after Edward dies. In real life, Lady Jane and Guildford hated one another, though they fall truly, madly, deeply in love in this movie. When Jane is deposed by the true heir, Mary I, she is kept in the Tower of London as Mary did not want to execute her cousin. Unfortunately, rebels continue to try to thrust Jane onto a throne she never wanted and as such, Mary is left with no choice but to behead her and her husband. Interestingly, her mother, being a pragmatist, manages to stay alive through all this, remarry and go on to have another family.
Despite historical inaccuracies pertaining to Jane and Guildford's love for one another, it is excellent storytelling.
Member Reviews
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Interesting Look At The Political Intrigues Of The Tudor Court - revsdd
For anyone interested in the history of England's Tudor dynasty, this is definitely a must-see film. The most famous of the Tudors are King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I, but this film offers up a look at the intrigues within the court in the period between ...Sweet Romance and a Little History - Stitch
Agreed there is no substantial evidence for the love interest around which this story revolves. Instead, documents imply she had no use for hubby whatsoever, supported by the fact she absolutely refused to name him king. And there is no historical support ...Fictitious Royal Romance - ScarletAngel
Though the love story was completely fictitious, the historical aspect of this film was quite accurate. Through the machinations of her mother, neice to Henry VIII, and the Duke of Northumberland (Edward VI's last advisor), Lady Jane Grey is thrust into marriage ...