superb

Rating: 10/10 (7 October 2006)

Queen Elisabeth II is one of the longest reigning monarchs in Europe. Monarchy is considered an outdated and outlived draconian thing of the past by some. This movie portraits a very difficult and extraordinary period in the reign of Queen Elisabeth II. The monarchy in Great Brittain was under great stress when Lady Diana, former Royal Highness since her divorce from the Prince of Wales, died in a car crash in August 1997. There was no protocol foreseen for a death of a former Royal Highness. The reaction from Buckingham palace throughout the event leading op to Diana's funeral are documented in this movie. The Queen, played by an excellent Helen Mirren, needs to rethink her position as ruling monarch. Newly elected Prime Minister Tony Blair plays a very handy role in preserving the monarchy from further harm. It is one of the first times that a real live ruling monarch, and certainly a sturdy, strict monarch like the English Queen is portrayed like a human being. The Queen is a strong woman, a strict and correct mother, who finds it difficult to deal with emotions, since she was never thought to show them at all. I found this movie very insightful and witty at times. Robert Allam (Robin) played an excellent assistant to the Queen. The story deals with issues about old traditions, held up high by Englands Monarch who is confronted by an ever changing world.