The Queen

Most of the time when a film is made about a sitting monarch the subject matter deals with some scathing issue that would eventually bring down that monarchy. But here we are given an intimate view of the Queen of England at one of the most trying times of her reign and the effort that was put forward in saving the English monarchy from disaster. Helen Mirren in the role of Queen Elizabeth II is just perfect; at times during the film you almost forget that it's an actress on the screen and not the Queen.
After the unexpected death of Princess Diana, Tony Blair works closely with Queen Elizabeth II to manage the private funeral arrangements and also deal with the public outcry for a public funeral. The use of stock footage from the interviews with Diana, to the news reports about the accident and the gatherings outside the palace, to footage of the funeral itself is tastefully done and helps keep the story in focus. Michael Sheen who's in the role of the Prime Minister is a wonderful fit; this is another fine example of having an actor that looks like the person he is portraying. The effort that was put into making the sets and costumes was painstakingly done, there are times during the film that you just don't know if they are on sight or in a studio.
Seeing the inside workings of the British monarchy and how they pride themselves on tradition, truly shows why they have lasted so long. This also shows why there people that are calling for the modernization of the government, there are times when tradition needs to be put aside for the sake of the nation. With showing the human side of the royal family, and especially the Queen, you walk away with a feeling that these people are doing what they believe is right in their hearts and their minds, and at times, like everybody, they need to be shown when they are wrong. I wasn't expecting to enjoy this film; I thought it was going to be one of those films where you're left thinking why did I just waste two hours watching this, but I was wrong it's a completely enjoyable from beginning to end.