Critics from across the world have given their verdict on the new film about the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, which made its Scottish screen debut last night in Edinburgh.
Directed by Josie Rourke, the movie features Saoirse Ronan as Mary, and Margot Robbie as Queen Elizabeth, and sees a series of Scottish locations used throughout.
The latest adaptation of the historical tale has prompted mixed reviews, with HeraldScotland's Alison Rowat giving the film four stars. She described the titular character as a #MeToo version, one who "warns other women to be wary of men".
Here's what the rest of the world had to say:
La Presse: "The most painful incarnation of Elizabeth I that we saw in the cinema."
French columnist Chantal Guy scored the piece low, and said that although the film offers a "fresh look" at a period that is regularly explored in cinema, the cliches surrounding the preliminary characters is "disappointing". She said: "It is the most painful incarnation of Elizabeth I that we saw in the cinema (while Margot Robbie is a pretty powerful actress, as we have seen in I, Tonya ). But there are enough good ideas in this Mary Queen of Scots to be curious about Josie Rourke's upcoming films."
Read the full review: Mary Queen of Scots: Enemy Queens ***
New York Times: "A political sharpness that goes beyond the usual costume-drama murmurings."
A.O.Scott delves into the poltical contrasts present in the film. He said: "Part of the problem is that the script’s ideas about gender and power can seem simple and schematic, resting on notions of women’s natural solidarity and compassion that European history doesn’t quite support."
Read the full review: ‘Mary Queen of Scots’ Review: Sexy, Spirited and Almost Convincing
Cineman: "A feminist perspective on a strong female part of European history."
German reviewer Gaby Tscharner focused on the feminism evident in the film, but also on the historical inaccuracies which appear throughout. She said: "While ethnic diversity in cast is generally a good idea, it does not make sense in a historical drama like this. The question now is how much dramaturgical freedom the cinema audience tolerates in a history film."
Read the full review: Duel of the Queens
Le Devoir: "A period film that charms with the splendor of its images."
French critic Jerome Delgado is fascinated with the portrayal of Scotland in the 2018 film. He said: "High-budget production, impressive aerial views of Scotland's natural sites, gorgeous costumes ... Mary Queen of Scots is a period film that charms with the splendor of its images. But the return to the sixteenth century proposed by director Josie Rourke is not that amazing."
Read the full review: "Mary Stuart, Queen of Scotland": female duel at the top
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