Sweet Emilia vs Queen Emilia
No one would accuse English rose Emilia Clarke, 29, of being the world's best actress, but she's so charming that it doesn't matter. With Me Before You, she's trying to prove she can move beyond the fantasy realm of Game Of Thrones. Question is, do we like her better as the Mother of Dragons or a sweet young thing?.
CHARACTER POWERS
Sweet Emilia: Local yokel Lou Clark is a little dummy, but she has a big heart. She proves her caring nature when she takes a job looking after a cruel but cute quadriplegic (Sam Claflin). Her aristocratic charge teaches her about life, and of course love. It's cute.
Queen Emilia: There's probably no more iconic character on television right now than Daenerys Targaryen. This fireproof firecracker leads multiple armies and also a trio of dragons. Hell-bent on reclaiming the family throne, she's a doll-faced world-beater.
ROUND ONE: QUEEN EMILIA
Like her lovesick right-hand man Jorah Mormont (Iain Glen) in Game Of Thrones, we're all in her friend zone. She's just too good for us.
ACTING POWERS
Sweet Emilia: Clarke is actually quite perfect for romantic comedies. Her natural face is a smiling one, and she's down for whatever. Called upon to be silly and flirty and eventually a bit more serious, she gives such an effortless performances that she doesn't even seem to be acting.
Queen Emilia: Clarke absolutely embodies the Mother Of Dragons, and she looks regal as hell. But acting-wise, this role has always been slightly beyond her. She's at her best when she's in avenging angel mode, setting dudes on fire willy-nilly, but she's outmatched in her talky scenes.
ROUND TWO: SWEET EMILIA
Rom-com is her wheelhouse.
WARDROBE POWERS
Sweet Emilia: The primary interest of Lou Clark, beyond handsome dudes, is fashion. Her ever-changing wardrobe reflects this. Colourful, quirky and delightfully sexy, her clothes are a huge part of her character. Stripey stockings, yo!
Queen Emilia: This girl is all about the gowns, in mostly cornflower blue and off-white. They may be more flowy or more structured depending on the circumstances, but they're always sickeningly flattering. Of course, she also spends a certain amount of time without any clothes on, which is fine by me.
ROUND THREE: QUEEN EMILIA
Sartorially, she's the real Girl On Fire.
THE WINNER: QUEEN EMILIA
Clarke may be adorable in Me Before You, but she's awe-inspiring in Game Of Thrones. No contest.
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