“Catherine II […] might have been known as Catherine the Not-So-Great. Despite broad ambitions and rich source material, so-so show may be likened to Russian nesting dolls in that most of its components, while brightly colored, are wooden and hollow. […] Although it never bores […]. Historical figures […] are deposited and removed with unsubtle expediency. […] Zeta Jones, who is easy on the eye both in and out of period costume, imparts a certain grace and resolve to her sovereign-in-the-making […]. What is seen are several sumptuous gowns by designer Barbara Baum and a handful of engaging performances. Both servile and wise, Ian Richardson as one of Catherine’s advisers is in a thesping class by himself […]. Imperious Moreau […] clearly has fun limning the ailing empress […]. [I]t’s the dialogue that fails to ignite a single spark. […] the sex is kept to an expository minimum. Lensing has a claustrophobic feel […] the music is overbearing and sappy.” Lisa Nesselson: Catherine the Great. In: Variety, 26. Februar 1995.
