An Example of What Great Film-making Can Be...

Rating: 10/10 (13 January 2007)

What can I add to a long list of well deserved praise? After just seeing this film and hearing wonderful things about it, I can honestly say that it held up to all the good word of mouth and was still a surprising joy and an overwhelming treat! It was imaginative, informative, moving, historical, engrossing and highly entertaining. 'The Queen' has a wonderful combination of superior narrative, docu-drama, documentary, comedy, drama and even a hint of romance. This film has everything and seems to be a real crowd pleaser to boot. The acting is first class (and has a lot of class, as well) and the story plays out with ease yet always has a grip on the audience with dramatic tension. The film takes no sides and carefully depicts each facet of this wonderful real life story. Duty vs. honor, changing times and values, and the growth of society into modern age while still holding on to traditional values are all examined in this compact 97 minute film. There is one brief moment in this lovely film; a simple gesture, which has such beauty and emotion that it actually takes your breath away. A "breathtaking" moment. However brief, this moment speaks volumes and offers an example of humanity which we are supposed to find in another film this year, 'Children of Men.' Trust me, 'The Queen' is a film with heart and its very essence is about humanity and compassion. I am thankful to see it on screen in such a sublime film and still wonder how people were able to find it in such a dull, dreary, overrated attempt like 'Children of Men.' Be wise and see this film. A top drawer work.