Based on historic deeds about intrigue and power-fight in Philip II court . This costumer movie is partially based on real events . It's developed in the court of Felipe II (Eduard Fernandez) , the Prudent King , also called the Noon demon . It is really important to highlight the huge significance that the Kingdom of Spain had back then. This well-known monarch governed in domains where the sun never set . We should have the same intelligence as this monarch and take advantage of the power of this story and of its marvellous renaissance background . The Duke of Alba and other 'favorites' as Mateo Vazquez (Pedro Casablanc) have for some time been relegated to a lesser role in the Court , due to the growing power of the Kings most influential secretary, Prime Minister Antonio Pérez . Meantime , the situation of Low Countries ruled under charismatic illegitimate Juan of Austria , his illegitimate half-brother is extremely dangerous and delicate . It was an inhospitable place which is in constant conflict and where those who possess privileged information can acquire immense fortunes . The protestant rebellion and the harassing by William of Orange make Flandes an uncomfortable place . Escobedo , John of Austria's personal secretary is sent to ask for help to stifle revolts . Furthermore , John of Austria attempts to begin new royal line by marrying to Mary, Queen of Scots . While , Ana of Mendoza , (Belen Rueda) married one of Philip's minister , bore sons , and soon became a widow Duchess of Pastrana and princess of Eboli . She wears a patch over her right eye and is an ambitious woman with selfish aims . Presumptuous and arrogant Antonio Perez (Hugo Silva) is the first secretary to the Crown . Ana of Mendoza and Antonio soon become lovers . Juan De Escobedo (Roberto Enriquez) regaining the king's brother favour attempts to force measures over the rebels . Escobedo comes from Flandes to Madrid , but he aware passionate romance between Antonio Perez and Ana Mendoza . He witnesses the murky and passionate romance and it could create a scandal in court , always the scenario of perpetual intrigue . From that moment on, Juan de Escobedo becomes the target of a series of failed attempts on his life . Then , a deadly conflict takes place ..
This TV series recreates faithfully the historical fact , as 430 years separate us from the events are to narrate, but the shadows still hide from the public this great historic moment , and the significance of such deeds . ¨Princess of Eboli¨ TV series is filled with those lights and shadows, gathers such a very important known event recreated in the artistic frame called Renaissance, characterized and inspired by the ideas of a reborn classical world . The series contributes to historical, artistical and cultural memory of an era, with a look back to the past, offering us an interesting adaptation on important facts . This is a enough budget but slowly-paced costumer that has Belen Rueda wearing a black eye-patch as the one-eyed Ana of Mendoza whose gorgeous beauty is difficult to resist . Belen is marvelously photographed throughout but the role , as written , and she gives her big opportunity to really shine . Hugo Silva gives a convincing character as astute and mean Antonio of Mendoza . Pedro Casablanc plays with enormous distinction as Mateo Vazquez , the incorruptible as well as cunning adviser priest . Personality and charisma of Eduard Fernandez's portrayal as one of the most remarkable European kings that ever reigned . The rest of the supporting cast is nice , such as Roberto Enriquez , Juan Calleja , Nathalie Poza as a feminist painter and Michelle Jenner as Queen Ana De Austria . Extraordinary costume design accompanied by colorful cinematography filmed on location . Luxurious sets make excellent use of real locations in Spain and it has a look of a great TV production . The motion picture was professionally directed by Belen Macias .
Other films dealing with this actual happenings are the followings : In 1955 was filmed by Terence Young an inferior version about these historic deeds titled 'That lady' starred by Olivia De Havilland , Paul Scofield , Gilbert Roland Christhoper Lee , Dennis Price , among others. And "The Escorial Conspiracy" (2008) by Antonio del Real with Julia Ormond , Jason Isaacs , Jordi Molla , Joaqiuin De Almeida , Juanjo Puigcorbe and Fabio Testi .
