The Queen

2006

The Queen

Critics Consensus

Full of wit, humor, and pathos, Stephen Frears' moving portrait looks at life of the British royals during the period after Princess Diana's death.

96%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 197

76%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 175,547
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Movie Info

This is the story of the death of Princess Diana of Wales and the relationship between British Prime Minister Tony Blair and the British Royal Family upon hearing of her death.
  • Rating:
    PG-13 (for brief strong language)
  • Genre:
    Drama
  • Directed By:
    Stephen Frears
  • Written By:
    Peter Morgan
  • In Theaters:
     wide
  • On Disc/Streaming:
  • Box Office:
    $56,222,759
  • Runtime:
  • Studio:
    Miramax Films

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Cast

Helen Mirren
as The Queen
Michael Sheen
as Tony Blair
James Cromwell
as Prince Philip
Sylvia Syms
as The Queen Mother
Alex Jennings
as Prince Charles
Helen McCrory
as Cherie Blair
Roger Allam
as Sir Robin Janvrin
Tim McMullan
as Stephen Lamport
Mark Bazeley
as Alastair Campbell
Earl Cameron
as Portrait artist
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Critic Reviews for The Queen

All Critics (197) | Top Critics (51)

  • A lesser director might make all of this deadly earnest, but Frears treats it as what you might call a tragi-comedy of manners, perfectly serious but human foibles everywhere.

    Oct 18, 2008 | Full Review…

    Bob Mondello

    NPR.org
    Top Critic

  • Both [Michael Sheen and Helen Mirren] understand the prickly push-and-pull that defines the fight -- the Gray Monarch v. the Great Modernizer -- and give quiet gravitas to the polite but firm standoffs.

    Feb 3, 2007 | Rating: 4/6 | Full Review…

    Joshua Rothkopf

    Time Out
    Top Critic

  • The tight grey curls, the tilt of the head and the no-nonsense walk with elbows and toes stuck out are the Queen's. The faint hint that this carapace harbours a wicked wit is all down to Mirren.

    Dec 30, 2006 | Rating: 4.5/5 | Full Review…

    Sandra Hall

    Sydney Morning Herald
    Top Critic

  • With its lavish imagery and elegant writing, The Queen is a majestic film, and Mirren is the heir apparent to be crowned best actress of the year.

    Nov 22, 2006 | Rating: A

    Joe Williams

    St. Louis Post-Dispatch
    Top Critic

  • In good times and bad, for good or ill, she is the public face of her nation. Mirren, Frears and Morgan let us see just how much a burden that mask has been.

    Nov 3, 2006 | Rating: 5/5

    Roger Moore

    Orlando Sentinel
    Top Critic

  • Allows us to understand just how heavy the crown really sits.

    Oct 27, 2006 | Rating: 3/4

    Rene Rodriguez

    Miami Herald
    Top Critic
View All Critic Reviews (197)

Audience Reviews for The Queen

  • May 16, 2013
    While it was good acting, casting, etc, I found the story to be biased in several ways. First of all, the fact that it was set during a very specific time. Less than a year, to be specific. This woman was (and still is, mind you) the Queen during amazing times of the 20th century and *that's* what is highlighted? No offense to Diana, of course, I do she think she was a lovely person. But I felt it was unfair to the Queen to an extent. Yes, these sentiments were expressed some, but everything made her look just *so* antiquated. Since then this woman has also met Lady Gaga. Then again, this is the trouble with making biopics of people, most of which are still alive and in power.
    Jennifer D Super Reviewer
  • Jun 14, 2012
    You don't have to know much about the government or politics to enjoy this well directed, brilliantly acted and finely scripted movie.
    Bram S Super Reviewer
  • Jun 05, 2012
    The sudden death of Princess Di, the worldwide outpouring of public grief, and a vicious intruding media force the British Royal Family to kowtow to public opinion. An ugly affair all ways round told in the hushed tones that is the world of polite society. Good performances, necessary since all those portrayed are still alive and very public figures. Mirren took the Oscar for her portrayal of a soul trained all her life not to react for the life of a nation and then demanded to react by that same nation.
    Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
  • May 05, 2012
    Mirren and Sheen give impressive Oscar worthy performances in a movie about a lot more than a monarchy. Many interesting questions asked, mostly involving Princess Diana. I am reminded of The King's Speech.
    Dillon L Super Reviewer
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