Behind the scenes look at turmoil in royal family after Princess Di's death

Rating: 10/10 (8 September 2006)

The Queen is a riveting look behind the scenes of one of the most sensational tragedies Britain has ever seen. You completely accept the actors playing the real life characters (especially the superb Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II) and become absorbed in the story. If you are one to get caught up in the high drama of the royal family, then this movie, while bitingly but humorously critical of you, should not be missed. Coming in, I thought I would not manage to muster enthusiasm about issues of royal etiquette. But The Queen manages to make these issues universal and important. And, granted, everybody already knows that royalty are people too. But The Queen makes this obvious fact fresh and meaningful. There is a potential Oscar for Helen Mirren here.