The Queen (2006)

The Queen is an intimate behind the scenes glimpse at the interaction between HM Elizabeth II (Hellen Mirren) and Prime Minister Tony Blair (Michael Sheen) during their struggle, following the death of Diana, to reach a compromise between what was a private tragedy for the Royal family and the public's demand for an overt display of mourning. Hilarity ensues.

Trivia: At the film's premier at the Venice Film Festival, Helen Mirren's performance received a 5 minute standing ovation.

Well, as you can see, I'm back in the states and recovering from an Italian cold, otherwise it was a trip of a lifetime and something I will remember forever. I was sitting here wondering what movie I would review for my first post back and decided on this little gem of a movie. I watched this movie (and two others) somewhere over the north Atlantic on a British Airways jet bound for home. It was on the "Best of Britain" movie channel and I had heard buzz about Helen Mirren and Oscar so I dove right in. This was actually a very good small intimate movie. I will be the first to tell you that I don't know anything about the Royal Family other then the next king of England will be named William (Whoo Hoo!). Helen Mirren does a wonderful job as the Queen. She is stoic as a Queen should be, but she still shows the struggle between doing your duty according to traditions and protocol of a nation who doesn't seem to want protocol in this situation, evolving in the modern era, and protecting your grandchildren after their mother is killed. I'm pretty sure she will get an Oscar nod for this one, so we just have to wait and see her competition.