Elizabeth

Elizabeth
Gramercy Pictures
2 October 1998
Historical Drama
DVD
D+

I saw this in the theater, but this time I couldn't tell if Blanchett was giving a good performance or if it was just she was one of the few people not shouting their lines.  Also, putting Protestant martyrs in the first scene was certainly off-putting (and I'd argue less effective than if shown later).  At least the production values are good.  Shekhar Kapur directed.

Dancing at Lughnasa

Dancing at Lughnasa
Sony
25 September 1998
Historical Drama
DVD
B-

I saw a pretty good local stage production of this a few years, and I find this a pretty good big-screen adaptation.  The performances are for the most part solid and I like the touches of humour.  That the film never becomes magical is OK.  Pat O'Connor directed.  I've tagged the cast that I recognized, even if some, like Kathy Burke from the previous year's Tom Jones miniseries, aren't exactly household names.