Her Majesty

I saw this movie last week with my 12 and 7 year-old-daughters. The story, characters and locations were all just wonderful. The film was endearing and carried a great moral, without being preachy. The comedy in the film works, the drama works, and neither is too much or too corny. The characters are well developed and the audience clearly identifies with the protagonist, 11-year-old Elizabeth. The crowd actually broke out in cheers when the mean older brother finally gets his - something I haven't experienced in a movie in years. I especially enjoyed seeing Vicky Haughton again after her fabulous performance in Whale Rider. I highly recommend this film for everyone...yes even men without kids. The screening was followed by a Q&A with writer/director Mark Gordon. He is traveling the country, screening the movie, and asked that we spread the word, which I am by posting this notice. I wouldn't bother doing this merely on the request of the filmmaker, but the movie spoke for itself. I made a mental note to post a great review as soon as the ending credits started.

I've been racking my brain trying to remember the movie this one reminded me and I finally thought of it. The movie is like a perfected version of "A Christmas Story". The comedy is similarly good, but the message this movie sends, and the quality of the filmmaking goes well beyond.

Anyway, take your kids and enjoy!

I loved this movie - had a chance to see a local screening and was delighted all the way though to the unexpected ending. The movie is set and filmed in New Zealand and is about a little girl who worships Queen Elizabeth II, in 1953 just after her coronation. The girl sends dozens of letters to Buckingham Palace and is ridiculed for her fancy; however, when the queen makes her trip that year to New Zealand (the trip was real; the rest fiction), she adds the little girl's rural town to her itinerary.

The movie is about the events preceeding the Queen's visit, including serious problems because the girl has befriended an old Maori woman with a complicated past; bigotry, small town clans, colonialism, ignorance, and other injustices rear their ugly head along the way to some unexpected conclusions. The movie is very touching and sure to be a hit for kids and families of all ages, as the main themes are universal.

We saw this film at a screening with the director in May of 2004. We were lucky that an owner of a local theater chain saw this film at a film festival and brought it to our city, one of the first 3 to show the film. As a small independent film, this movie is at a disadvantage without a major studio backing them, but the director said he was committed to a theater release, so hopefully many people will that the opportunity to go see this beautiful movie.

We were delighted with the freshness of the story and the beautiful scenery of New Zealand. Sally Andrews is so great as the girl, Elizabeth, and she steals the show. This is a sweet film that you can take the family to without worrying about inappropriate material. Ironically, you should be aware that there is some sexual innuendo, but it is likely to go over your children's heads, and I did not find it to be offensive. Overall the movie appeals to young and old alike, and I would highly recommend it.

My wife and I had the unexpected pleasure to view this film on Feb 7, 2003. I had heard good things about it but did not expect to be grabbed by the story as a macho man. I thought this was going to be a film to take your kids to. Were we ever surprised. It could have been set in middle America, not New Zealand, in the 50s. The humor is universal as is the heart---and I could understand every word. This looks, sounds and feels as good as any about any studio film I have seen. Let's hope Her Majesty gets shown all over, it has more and broader appeal than Greek Weddings for sure!

"Her Majesty" is a delightful film that addresses light-hearted issues such as girlish crushes and important social commentary like racism, colonial rule, and `selective' history teachings. The story is similar to many told among all ethic backgrounds in New Zealand and around the world.

The beauty of New Zealand only contributes the excellent composure of each shot in this movie. The director of photography, Stephan Katz (Blues Brothers, 1980), allows the viewers a peak into the graceful countryside of New Zealand, but also the wide-eyed imagery that only a child can truly experience. First time director, Mark Gordon takes on all the hardships of working with children (the protagonist, Elizabeth, is played by a first time actor), a dog, and in a foreign country and executes perfectly. Although Mark Gordon is an American from California he manages to delve into New Zealand history and society in a way few New Zealanders would expect.

I personally am keeping my fingers crossed that this film will not be limited to the film festival circuits around the world; I would rather know it will be viewed and enjoyed by others wide spread. If you have an opportunity to see this film don't miss it. It is the ideal family film for both the children and adults in the family.

Enjoy!