影畫絮語 - 英女皇 The Queen

影畫絮語節目內容 (www.mov-reviews.com): 現年61歲的海倫美蘭憑（英女皇）贏得奧斯卡金像獎最佳女主角，演技入木三分。

After producing Mrs Henderson Presents starring a shining actress, Judi Dench, the Director Stephen Frears brings audiences The Queen starring another dazzling actress, Helen Mirren.

The Queen is a subtle, witty and revealing protrait of the Queen addressing herself to protecting her British Royal Family after the death of Pricess Diana and the relationship between British Prime Minister Tony Blair thinking in a modern way and the Queen upholding traditional principles of her British Monarchy.

Every coin, indeed, has two sides... While the Queen looks very tough in front of others, she cries when she is alone. While she is the Queen, she is also someone's grandmother and an ordinary 70-year-old woman wearing a night gown in the house. Theoretically, she is the head of the country, but in practice, she exercises very little political executive power. While some people criticize her for being cold-blooded and showing ruthless disregard for her people's feelings, some people still look up to this charismatic and majestic monarch who has ruled the United Kindom since 1952. While Tony Blair urges her to comply with the public's wish, he sympathizes with and defends this old woman bullied by the public. While the Queen has to listen to Tony's advice, she strives to uphold the majesty of the British Royal Family. Indeed, the loss of citizens' support and the increasing power of Tony Blair put this old woman in a vulnerable position. Different points of view on the issue are fairly and comprehensively looked at.

The professional and charismatic cast impresses me a lot! Do you remember Helen Mirren's uplifting performance in Calendar Girls? This time, her acting is so overwhelming that I feel much pity for the Queen. Helen Mirren resembles HM Queen Elizabeth II, while Michael Sheen really looks like Tony Blair. Besides, the Queen's mother and Mr. Blair's wife move me to laughter. I simply had a gudging affection for all these characters when I left the theatre.

Those real news reports inserted from time to time go well with the drama, making the movie look realistic. Besides, the director is skilled at crafting humor. Here are some amusing quotes from the movie!

• Prince Philip: Sleeping in the streets & pulling out their hair for someone they never knew. And they think we're mad!
  
  
• Prince Philip: [to his wife] Move over, Cabbage.
  
• Prince Philip: Elton John wishes to sing at the funeral. Should be a first for Westminster Abbey.
  
  
• HM Queen Elizabeth II: [to her husband] Have you heard from the Spencers on what they wish to do with the funeral? HM The Queen Mother: Oh no, no one tells me anything.
  
• HM The Queen Mother: Charles, dear, use the royal flight. They keep one plane on permanent stand-by, in case I should kick the bucket.

Tradition prepared her. Change will define her. I love the Queen as well as Queen's English (RP). Owing to the superb acting, subtle humor and an insight into the incident without bias, I give this documentary-like drama 4 stars out of 5. Don't miss it!

Special thanks to the Golden Scene Co. Ltd.