The Queen

I saw this film (later than most people have I'm sure) at a wonderful cinema called the Gate at Notting Hill Gate with two friends.
I was quickly drawn back into those times of mass hysteria when Diana died almost a decade ago. Helen Mirren is a true star, and although she doesn't look like the Queen her mannerisms quickly made me believe she was our monarch. No one possibly know the true conversations that took place at that time - but it a tribute to the cast, the writers and the director that by careful use of historic footage it all seemed very probable. Isn't it strange how for a week the British nation behaved so out of character. Now I cried on the day of her funeral, I laid a rose in her memory at Sale War Memorial, and this film pushed all those buttons again. I started to fill up as Faure's Requiem was being performed. My friends couldn't understand what happened in late August 1997. I can - I was at a time when things in my life made me want to grieve - even if it was for someone I didn't know, and had never met.
I was glad this film didn't go along with some of the preposterous conspiracy theories that have currency today. My respect for the Queen was increased by this film, my respect for Tony Blair declined - as the Cherie Blair character implied Tony was sucked in by the establishment, and how genuine was his manner of describing the Princess? He certainly tapped into the mood of the nation - a true politician.
Excellent film - my rating 9/10