Outstanding performances

Rating: Null/10 (17 February 2007)

Ten years ago, after the death of Diana, the monarchy was faced with a situation where for the first time they felt the power of the common people fly in the face of protocol. This movie - superbly written, crafted and performed - is another step towards humanising the monarchy.
The movie - which intersperses actual footage with some brilliant performances by Helen Mirren as the Queen - has captured the complexity that it is to be royalty in the UK. There is a growing body of opinion amongst the people that the royalty really is an anachronism (the life of opulence and luxury in the day and age when everyone pays their own way). The concept of entitlement does not go down well.
However this movie reflects the other side as well. That royalty feel they have to take on sacrifice in the line of "serving" the people. In short, god's duty.
I will not raise the issue - however I will say that this movie is a must-watch. It is very well edited to keep a taut and tense feel about it -very cleverly using real footage to move the story along.