The Queen

Starring: Helen Mirren, Michael Sheen, James Cromwell, Sylvia Syms, Alex Jennings
Directed by: Stephen Frears
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama
2006

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: After the shocking death of Princess Diana, Queen Elizabeth II (Helen Mirren) struggles with how to relate to her people. She is helped by new Prime Minister Tony Blair (Michael Sheen) as she tries to understand what is needed in this new England.

Review:

Tim: I had heard good things about this movie, but I didn't feel very strongly about it. I actually caught this movie on a plane, and suffice to say, I was blown away. The movie tells the story of Queen Elizabeth in the aftermath of the death of Princess Diana. This emotional movie tells its powerful story in a relentless fashion.

The movie is helped by two absolutely amazing performances. First, Helen Mirren gives about as good a performance of a living person as you could give. She's incredible as Queen Elizabeth, and she very much deserved the Academy Award for Best Actress that she received. However, in my opinion, the most memorable- indeed the most important and showstopping performance belongs to Michael Sheen, who is downright incredible as Tony Blair. I can't believe he was overlooked for a Best Supporting Actor nomination. He is likeable, charismatic, and steals every scene throughout the whole movie. I loved watching him on screen.

The Queen is beautiful movie. It channels the hurt and the sad that all of the United Kingdom- indeed, the world, felt when Princess Diana died. On a personal note, I remember waking up on my 15th birthday, and hearing she died. This movie reminds me of that sadness, while telling a powerful story. This is one of the best movies of the year.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



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