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MOVIE REVIEW

The Iron Lady

MPA Rating: PG-13-Rating (MPA) for some violent images and brief nudity.

Reviewed by: Scott Brennan
CONTRIBUTOR

Moral Rating: Average
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience: Adults Teens
Genre: Biography Drama
Length: 1 hr. 45 min.
Year of Release: 2011
USA Release: December 30, 2011 (NYC/LA)
January 13, 2012 (wide)
DVD: April 10, 2012
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Relevant Issues
Copyright, Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

Margaret Thatcher

crossing the barriers of gender and class in a male dominated world

female Prime Minister

social issues and government

politics and politicians

Britain

British Parliament

Capitalism

Falklands War

husband and wife relationship

the price that is paid for power

retirement and aging

battling ill health

compromise vs. stubbornness—the positives and negatives

Featuring Meryl StreepMargaret Thatcher
Jim BroadbentDenis Thatcher
Iain Glen … Alfred Roberts
Harry Lloyd … Young Denis Thatcher
Anthony Head … Geoffrey Howe
Richard E. GrantMichael Heseltine
Olivia Colman … Carol
Ronald Reagan … Himself (archive footage)
See all »
Director Phyllida Lloyd—“Mamma Mia!
Producer Film4
UK Film Council
Canal+
See all »
Distributor
Distributor: Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. Trademark logo.
20th Century Studios
, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Studios, a division of The Walt Disney Company

“Never compromise.”

Margaret Thatcher once said: “What Britain needs is an Iron Lady.” She also said that “Being prime minister is a lonely job… you cannot lead from the crowd.”

This biopic portrays the truth of both of those quotes in the fait accompli-performance-of-a-lifetime by the classic actor of our time, Meryl Streep. She brings to the big screen the Margaret Thatcher I remember, as well as the one I don’t. The tumultuous period of Britain in the early 1980s with the strident Thatcher speeches are meticulously recreated and well-performed by Streep—portraying Thatcher’s glory days—those days I remember—and so too are the twilight years, the days I knew little about. They are the lonely years “after” she was prime minister—when fading from the public eye—though certainly not from her family, in private—where she remains to this day.

From the first minute of the film, when Streep appears on screen as an old Margaret Thatcher slipping past her handlers to go buy a pint of milk at the corner grocers, I forgot that it is Meryl entirely. It is more than the outstanding make-up job; it is that chameleon thing that Meryl does where she becomes the character. It is Margaret Thatcher on screen, and no one could convince you that it wasn’t.

Okay, the cat’s out of the bag. If it’s not obvious, I am a Meryl Streep fan, as I have let on in some of my other reviews. (“It’s Complicated” and “My Week with Marilyn”). Nonetheless, her performance is astounding, my personal bias notwithstanding, or at least I can say I am not the only reviewer writing this opinion. I truly believe that this is the year she will finally garner not only her 14th Best Actress nomination for the Academy Awards® (17th nomination, overall), but also the year she will receive her 3rd Oscar®.

With the Streep commendations out of the way, I can also say that I haven’t been so moved by a film in this genre since I was taken by surprise with “Frost/Nixon” back in 2008. While it should be common knowledge that all history is subjective, depending on the author (Scripture as the only exception), and though I may disagree with that which is portrayed or written by the authors, these historical pieces appeal to what I believe is the human tendency for introspection. As a political science major, these biographies hold a natural place of interest for this reviewer by default, but even for ordinary moviegoers, the glances back in history ostensibly allow viewers to remember, “where they were” at a given place in time. Reminiscing is not just a pastime for the elderly.

There are a couple of important things I would like to say about this film, and no more, lest I take away from what surprises the film may hold for future viewers. First is how appropriate the film is as substantive input for our current national political debate about the “haves” vs. the “have-nots.” It is about the mob mentality that demands “x, y, and z” from the government—be they the mobs of Britain in the 1980’s or the U.S. mobs called Occupy Wall Street in the 2010s. The political divide that currently rages between just “how big should government be” here in the U.S.—was the same one going on in the early days of Thatcher’s initiation as prime minister of Great Britain. Thatcher’s ability to use her “inter-personal skills” to coalesce common sense perspectives in the Parliament, despite tremendous opposition was remarkable, hence her reputation as the Iron Lady.

Director Phyllida Lloyd (“Mama Mia”) manages to connect her strengths and struggles as the Prime Minister from the IRA bombings, to the Falklands War, to the treachery within her own cabinet with the “flashback device” common to films of this genre. There are scenes from Thatcher’s younger days in her father’s grocery store, her days at Oxford, meeting her husband-to-be, along with actual newsclips and stills interspersed. It’s definitely a piece of history worth revisiting.

The second important thing I would like to emphasize about the film is its reflection on Thatcher’s “intra-personal” observations, particularly after the death of her husband Denis (Jim Broadbent) in 2003. In many ways, the film is focused more on this period of her life than any other. It is a controversial script written by Abi Morgan, which deals with this difficult period of her life after Denis’ death, and it is a matter of interpretation how much dementia is being projected by Morgan and how much is really based on fact. [In reality, Mrs. Thatcher made a number of significant public appearances during this period, including ones in the U.S. So it’s probably less than genuine that she would be quite as disoriented as the film suggests, my only objection to the film.]

In some ways, this sub-plot becomes a distraction, but the overarching feeling that appears subtly is that we all must deal with our losses in our own way. In her memoir, she did pay tribute to Denis with a quote I started this review with:

“Being Prime Minister is a lonely job. In a sense, it ought to be: you cannot lead from the crowd. But with Denis there, I was never alone. What a man. What a husband. What a friend.”

For those who know biopics, it isn’t quite as good as “The Queen” (2006) or “Frost/Nixon” (2008), but close. If you’re fond of history or a Streep fan, then this film is for you. I’m sure there is some inappropriate language, but it isn’t significant, and it fades seamlessly into the background fabric of the film. There are minor violent scenes during the IRA flashbacks or those dealing with the Falkland bombings, but nothing more than the nightly news. There are some minor sexual innuendos, as well, but minuscule and minor, as I recall. Even though the role of Thatcher is played by the politically liberal Streep, to her credit, Meryl plays her honestly and without malice.

In a recent interview, Meryl said, “As I did with Margaret Thatcher, I feel defensive about every character I play, and I defend them as if they’re my own, because for the time I embody them, they feel like me.”

Regardless of how one feels about Margaret Thatcher, or her politics, one thing that stands out in this film is the sort of George Bailey (“It’s a Wonderful Life”) realization that one person can make such a difference in the world, and that Margaret, like George, represents us all, and that extraordinary people are simply ordinary people, who do extraordinary things with God’s help (Daniel 11:32). I also couldn’t help reflect on someone whom she greatly admired during her tenure and whose state funeral she attended in 2004—that of President Reagan. Contemplating them both, the Scripture came to mind from Revelation 21:24:

“And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the Earth bring their glory and honor into it.”

Even before she has left this Earth, she is a legend in her own time. I can’t help but believe, that she, like Ronald Reagan, will one day bring her glory and honor into the light of His kingdom.

  • Violence: Moderate
  • Profane language: Moderate— “by G*d” and “my G*d” (1), For G*d’s sakes, d*mn (2), h*ll (3)
  • Vulgar/Crude language: bugger (1)
  • Nudity: Moderately Heavy— bare-breasted woman (brief), cleavage
  • Sex: kiss (brief)

Slang definition: Bugger

X

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.


Viewer CommentsSend your comments
Positive
Positive—I walked into this film not exactly knowing what to expect. I expected Meryl Streep to be exceptional in her role, as always, and I expected it to be a somewhat slower pace movie, but that’s about all I knew. I walked away having seen one of the best movies I’ve seen in recent years, and that’s saying something. The film did a great job at portraying Margaret in two roles: A strong political figure, and an older woman after the glory days. You really begin to feel for this woman, seeing how much she accomplished, and, at the same time, seeing she has the same worries a lot of other people have—going at it alone. The last ten minutes of the film were some of the most moving I have ever seen, and I don’t usually tear up in a movie, so when I can get so lost into a movie I forget I’m watching one, that’s a strong sign that it’s a keeper.

As far as any offensive content goes, the language was minimal, and the violent images no worse than what you’d see on the news, and the few moments the men on screen degrade women and laugh at Margaret’s attempts to be more than just a housewife, it’s more than overlapped by the leaps she makes in politics, and sends a strong message to everyone that no matter how small a role you might play now, if you have the drive to make something happen, it’s not impossible.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 4½
Ricky, age 19 (USA)
Positive—I was very satisfied with this movie. Well balanced portrait of an extraordinary woman. The various facets of her life were written into an intelligent and sensitive screenplay which shows how she developed through the years into such a strong personality. The attention paid to her mental decline was not a detriment to the film, but enhanced the content, showing the reality of aging which has impacted Thatcher’s dynamic and determined personality. I enjoyed this movie thoroughly and hope Meryl Streep is suitably awarded for her superlative interpretation of Margaret Thatcher. Very good movie.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 4½
Halyna Barannik, age 65 (USA)
Positive—This is one of those films that first shocks you with its approach, and then sticks with you, in later days. It’s been almost a week since I saw it, and I’m still thinking about it. Yes, it could have been better—it would have been a far superior film with “old” Margaret as bookends, rather than a constant plot arc, but it was decent regardless, and just enough of an intriguing look at a truly amazing woman to make you want to know more about her. It’s shy on details, but strong in its conservative voice.

I enjoyed it, and I think I’ll enjoy it even more with time. By far, its greatest and most profound message is that life should never be about who you can become (powerful, famous, etc.), but what you can accomplish for good. Margaret Thatcher was unafraid to do that for England—in spite of being hated by the liberal public; she never backed down or merely tried to save her own reputation.

One thing I will say that your reviewers missed, however, is about a five second shot of a topless woman in some news footage after the announcement that the Falkland Island war was over. That took my opinion of it down a notch.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 3½
Charity B., age 28 (USA)
Positive—This film contains female NUDITY. …this is the chief element that we wish to avoid in any movie as Christian men. Other than that though, I felt that it was a well balanced portrayal of her life giving equal air time to both highs and lows.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 5
Morgan, age 41 (United Kingdom)
Neutral
Neutral—Although I found pieces of this movie quite engaging, I ultimately feel the filmmaker shook the hand of Thatcher’s memory with his right, while stabbing it in the back with his left. My feelings throughout the film were mixed. While the love story and longing for her husband after his passing was extremely touching, it also felt as though the filmmaker used this as a device to exaggerate the loss of Thatcher’s mental faculties in her later years. In general, the focus seemed to be placed on Thatcher’s shortcomings, and light on her accomplishments…

Where was her role in the collapse of Communism? Imagine a biopic of Ronald Reagan focusing mainly on his later years battling Alzheimer’s, and leaving out his contributions to the fall of Communism. Decent film for it’s entertainment value, but misses the boat on historical accuracy. A smear job dotted with a few niceties.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 4
Lisa, age 44 (USA)
Neutral—I enjoyed the parts of this movie that took place before and during Margaret Thatcher’s time as Prime Minister—especially the romance. Jim Broadbent’s performance was great, and Meryl Streep was definitely deserving of her Oscar (as were her make-up people!) The rest of it, though, was just a little too slow and artsy for me. By the end, it just got really depressing and seemed to drag on and on.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 4½
Kadie Jo, age 19 (USA)
Negative
Negative—This movie was a tough one to watch. It was evident, ten minutes into the movie, the writers had made a decision to portray Mrs. Thatcher in an unflattering view-the memories of a frail, old woman with dementia. The script seldom looked at positive attributes, or successes, except in quick newspaper headlines. Throughout the movie, she is almost always spoken of in the most negative of fashions, even if her demeanor is no different than those of the male gender around her.

Movie goers are subject to the public’s hatred of her with them beating on her car, protesting with signs and little is ever done to counter balance this. It is hard enough to encourage the young women of today to be what they were created to be, let alone show a strong woman in a film that seems to almost feed on poor perceptions that she missed the mark, because she stepped out of her female confinements.

The script was compressing an enormous time line. Sadly, that causes there to be a choppy feel to the movie. Major events, the fall of Communism, for example, seem to be mere mentions as to where a dialoque at a cabinet meeting with the Prime Minister correcting written agendas and their grammar played on to an uncomfortable ending.

The acting is no doubt top notch. Given the script, I have no doubt the performances were true to the writers and directors desires. The costumes and makeup were tremendously well done. I have no doubt there will be accolades about this movie during the Oscars. I, cannot add to them.

I was hoping to show a teenage daughter a moment of encouragement, to share with the world all that was given to her in strength and courage. This movie only made a shadow out of what should have been a bright example.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 3½
Dorell Proshek, age 51 (USA)
Negative—After seeing this movie, I can only say, what a sad portrayal of a brilliant woman. I agree totally with the remarks of Dorell Proshek. If I was a member of Mrs. Thatcher’s family, I would sue them for defamation of character. The brilliant parts of her career were so quickly referred to, and the parts where she appeared old, forgetful and perhaps mentally impaired, dragged on and on. It’s shameful that this movie was such a waste of what could have been a TRUE story of incredible history as Margaret Thatcher’s life really was. I hope one day someone will make a movie of the TRUE story of her life.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Good / Moviemaking quality: 4
Dorothy, age 68 (USA)
Negative—Margaret Thatcher is portrayed as an inept and incompetent leader whose conservative ideas and Conservative Party runs the country into the ground and expends soldier’s lives unnecessarily in the Falkland’s War. The film is a blatantly obvious attempt by leftist Hollywood to discredit conservative political ideology and tarnish the legacy of the first woman elected Prime Minster of Britain, who was re-elected to two more terms (this was completely left out), but who much to their chagrin happened to be a conservative and close confidant of Ronald Regan.

The filmmaking quality is very poor, as well, in that the film annoyingly goes back and forth between her as a demented old woman, young woman, and her midlife, emphasizing her demented state, in which she has long and annoying imaginary conversations with her deceased husband.

This is not a fair and accurate portrayal of one of the great leaders of the 20th Century. I wish I could get my money back.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Very Offensive / Moviemaking quality: ½
Greg Terra, age 47 (USA)
Negative—A little too fanciful for me. A great woman. Most of the movie seemed to focus on her declining health, not her accomplishments. Not really a documentary (of pure truth and facts), which I was hoping it would be. It’s ironic, in the movie, she is said to say she did not want to be remembered for “washing out tea cups”… yet, this is how the movie portrayed her to be. It was agonizing to watch. I could only get through half the movie.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 4
Louise, age 50 (USA)

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