The Queen (2006)

Fact and supposed fact are blended seamlessly in Stephen Frear's The Queen. Set in the days after Princess Diana's death in 1997, this film tells the story of what most likely happened to bring HRM Queen Elizabeth II from frigid silence to public mourning.

Helen Mirren earned her Oscar by not only presenting an impeccable visual replication of the Queen, but bringing a real understanding of this woman who sits so high atop her throne. Especially interesting is Michael Sheen in Prime Minister Tony Blair's role and his efforts in the queen's decision to go public. Beautifully filmed and realistically portrayed, this is a compelling story, even though you know how it ends.

Rating: 5/5
Recommended for: Everyone (except maybe small children who won't have the attention span/memories of Princess Diana)

Extended Review: Peter Morgan, who wrote the script, was able to interview several government insiders and structure a likely story of what happened behind closed doors during this time. Between that, using actual news footage, and the use of lighting in the filmed part, the filmmakers really blur the lines and make you feel as if you've been granted special access to see the events unfold.