Sunday, September 22, 2013

The Queen (2006)


3 comments:

  1. “The Queen” is a British historical drama released in 2006 starring Helen Mirren in the role of Queen Elizabeth II. The film is set in 1997 Great Britain and is about the death of Princess Diana.

    In 1997 Tony Blair whose plan is to modernise Britain is elected prime minister. A few months later Princess Diana, former wife of Prince Charles, dies in a car accident in Paris. Since she’d been divorced from her husband one year earlier the Royal Family regards Diana’s funeral as a private affair of her family. Meanwhile lots of people who want to express their grief put millions of flowers in front of Buckingham Palace. However the Royal Family refuses to make a statement referring Diana’s death. This causes a plummet of the monarchists’ popularity. Therefore Blair makes an advice for the Queen. He recommends her arranging a public funeral, putting a Union flag at half-mast over Buckingham Palace and speaking to the nation about Diana. Certain members of the Royal Family including Prince Philip and the Queen Mother get upset by Blair’s suggestion. Although the Queen shares their feelings she has doubts and considers abdicating. The Queen Mother doesn’t like this idea and reminds her daughter of a promise she had made on her 21st birthday when she said she’ll be Queen to the end of her life. As the Queen gets convinced by her mother she has to make a decision whether to respect her family’s attitude or observe Blair’s recommendations and try to win back the Royals’ popularity.

    Helen Mirren’s performance as Queen Elizabeth II is marvelous. She depicts her characters feelings outstandingly for example the concernment when her family members are upset by Blair’s suggestion or her dismay when she hears about Diana’s accident. She also does a great job in imitating the Queen’s voice and accent for example when she does her speech to the world.

    The set design is also awesome. Most of the time the film takes place at the Royals’ summer residence Balmoral Castle. All scenes that show the Royal Family’s residences from inside seem absolutely realistic and cope with the look of a Queen’s home. The scenes that are set in the nature were filmed in Aberdeenshire and consequently fit to the fact that Balmoral Castle is located in this council area of Scotland.

    All things considered “The Queen” is a good film that shows plenty of historical facts. This makes the film interesting for viewers who place value on films that are close to reality. Also the original video footage from 1997 that was used in some parts of the film makes “The Queen” even more convincing. All Actors especially Helen Mirren meet the requirements. I would give this film seven out of ten points and recommend it to all people who are interested in the history of the Royal Family.

    (478 words)

    DH

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  2. At first I really want to agree with you according to Helen Mirren's performance. But not only she fulfills her character perfectly also for example Alex Jennings accomplishes with way of speaking and his body language that the character of Prince Charles seems so authentic although Jennings doesn't really look like the Prince of Wales.
    I have to say that at first I have been a bit disappointed. Because of the title I expected a presentation of the Queen's life, more a scenic biography than again the story of Diana's death but in the perspective of the Royal Family.
    One interesting aspect I'd like to add is that to illustrate optically the social difference between the middle-class life of the new Prime Minister and the upper-class life of the Queen, scenes in Tony Blair's house were shot in an lower quality than those in the residence of the Royal Family.
    All in all I have to say that this film, like you mentioned in your review, is a recommendation for everyone who would like to have a look into the Royal Family's living room.
    (184 words)
    TH

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  3. In many points, I can agree with your comments. Being interested in the history of the British royals, i really did enjoy the film. Every actor is well casted and all the actors have the same characteristics as the people, they are representing. Helen Mirren shines in an adorable performance and helps the audience to discover a totally new side of the Queen.
    All in all, I really can recommend "The Queen" to you. I can't criticize anything and that's why I rate this film with 10 points.

    (99words)
    AE

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