Her Majesty

Her Majesty examines the dilemma of a young girl who faces conflicting demands from her friends and family and her reactions to those pressures. Although set in New Zealand in the 1950's, the situations are universal and timeless. The movie covers racial prejudice, peer pressure, and parental influence in ways that allow an audience of any age to follow that part of the movie with which they most identify.

The breathtaking scenery provided a beautiful backdrop against which to set the show. I was transported to a different time and place but felt like I was there. I was drawn to the struggle of the young girl to do what she thought was right even though it appeared she would have to pay a severe price to do so. Her character and that of the old Maori woman were well developed during the entire length of the movie and provided an in-depth look at how they deal with their place in the community. This was a pleasant change from most movies where the characters and their motivations are superficial or trite.

This is a movie suitable for all ages that keeps your attention based on the plot and the characters rather than stunts or violence. I was able to see it while on a trip to Los Angeles and keep hoping for a wider release so my friends here can have a chance to see it as well.

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!

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!

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.

It is seldom that I would tell my friends that there is a movie that they must see. For family entertainment this "is a must see". Thank you Mr.Gordon, as far as I'm concerned your 16 years of effort was worth it. You made this 45 year old Marine cry. Interwoven themes of bigotry, friendship, maturity, courage, family, culture, love and greed make for a movie that is refreshing and one that I would take the children to see again. The manipulative Mrs. Hobson and her friends reminded me of the cackling hens in "The Music Man". My older son cheered when Mr. Wakefield told Kupe to escort Mrs. Hobson out of their home.