Writer: Darren Phua

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Watch this if you liked: Any movie involving royalty

"The Queen" gives viewers an insight into the workings of the English Monarchy. The old English culture and how the royals go about their day-to-day activities are displayed throughout the film. Helen Mirren does an impressive job in her role as Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen's mannerisms and even the royal accent is reproduced flawlessly.

The main plot revolves around the monarchy's immediate reaction (or the lack of it) towards the sudden death of Diana in Paris after a car accident involving the paparazzi. After receiving news about the incident, the royal family seems to show no reaction or sadness at all, and everything apparently goes on as usual after the death of the popular Princess of Wales.

However, the pressure on the Queen starts to mount as the public mourn the loss of their favourite royalty. Even her newly-elected prime minister starts to question her about the lack of emotion from the monarchy. Before long, the Queen is put on a spot, stuck between keeping the age old culture of royal dignity and easing up to please modern society.

The movie shows that behind all the royal walls and airs, the Queen is still human after all. She struggles to find a balance between keeping the dignity and pride of the monarchy, while maintaining the love and respect of her people. A softer, more sensitive side of the Queen is shown as she tries to make the best out of the difficult situation and the wisdom and experience of her years on the throne is displayed.

The whole movie is wrapped in the unmistakable charm of the English monarchy. A rarely seen side of the Queen is portrayed here and one can't help but sympathise with her. Once again, the media is portrayed as the driving force that blows things out of proportion. But the strength and resilience shown by the Queen will touch you as you begin to understand the situation she is struggling with and why she acted the way she did.

Helen Mirren puts up a phenomenal performance as the Queen and she deserved the 5-minute standing ovation at the film's premiere. The other cast members do a good job as well to deliver a moving and impacting film that revolves around one of the biggest news event of the 90's.

Cinema Online, 23 September 2008