One of the Best of 2006

Rating: 9/10 (22 January 2019)

31 January 2007. Helen Mirren offers up a fabulous and intimate possible version of the current Queen of England who must balance between tradition and modernization upon the election of Tony Blair, the new prime minister with new ideas and the impending tragic death of Princess Diana. This movie provides a whole new fictional but possible insight into the behind the scenes politics and emotional tension of the Royal family as well as a fascinating look at the role of Britain's prime minister. Mirren's performance is both deeply moving and sophisticated, intimate and unexpectedly casual and refined. The smooth editing of Princess Diana's actual footage and other background events, along with the cast performances creates an elegant, compelling, and truly brilliant cinematic experience. Except for the casting of the Queen's husband that detracted from the natural film experience, the movie was nearly perfect. Nine out of Ten Stars.