Looking into the heart of a monarch

Rating: 8/10 (19 April 2007)

I would have given 10 out of 10 if the vote is all about Dame Helen Mirren's performance. While I agree with people who say that this is not her best performance, it is nonetheless a stunning performance.
However, the portrayal of HM Queen Elizabeth II is not entirely to my liking. I guess mostly because of my preconception on the character of the Queen after reading books by Sue Townsend, especially her interesting portrayal in 'The Queen and I' and more recently 'Queen Camilia'. The Queen is a lot more fun, witty, strong, and at times, even highly intelligent in the book. I like the emotional and vulnerable side, and the steadfast stubbornness shown by the Queen in the film, well I guess you have to attribute it to Dame Helen Mirren's performance. But the part of Tony Blair, my goodness, this is just too much a compliment to make him the 'hero' of the day.
Yet, 'The Queen' remains as one of my favourite movies this year. My deepest appreciate goes again to Dame Helen Mirren for giving us one of the most memorable performances this year.