Lady Jane is a 1986 British film directed by Trevor Nunn and starring Helena Bonham Carter in the title role. The film is a historical drama set during the Tudor period and revolves around the tumultuous events that followed the death of King Henry VIII.
After Henry VIII's death, his young son Edward VI assumes the throne, but he is sickly and expected to die soon. His advisors are in a frenzy to ensure that the country remains Protestant after his death, and they concoct a plan to install Lady Jane Grey, a distant cousin of Edward's, on the throne.
Though Jane is a highly educated and pious young woman, she is completely unprepared for the rigors of ruling a nation. Her unfamiliarity with the machinations of power makes her an easy mark for the ruthless scheming of her father-in-law, the Duke of Northumberland (played by John Wood).
The Duke arranges for Jane to marry his son, Guildford Dudley (played by Cary Elwes), and installs her on the throne after Edward's death. Jane is reluctant to accept the crown but is pressured into doing so by her advisors, who convince her that it is her duty to preserve the Reformation.
As Jane tries to navigate the treacherous waters of Tudor politics, she grows increasingly disillusioned with the harsh realities of ruling. Her relationship with Guildford, which begins as a loveless political alliance, eventually blossoms into a genuine and passionate romance.
Despite their love, Jane and Guildford are unable to halt the tide of politics that will ultimately lead to their downfall. The film ends with their tragic executions, which are depicted in graphic detail.
Overall, Lady Jane is a gripping and emotionally charged tale of love and power in a turbulent era of English history. Bonham Carter delivers a mesmerizing performance as Jane, capturing both her intelligence and her vulnerability, while Elwes is truly excellent as the doomed Guildford. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in Tudor history or political drama.