Films and series for fans of the British monarchy

The fourth season turns out to be the best so far. And by far. It’s shiny and precious, like the jewels of Queen Elizabeth II. It’s more rhythmic, even more grandiose, and this new royal chapter rolls out the red carpet to two legendary women from the United Kingdom, Lady Diana and Margaret Thatcher.

Hugo Dumas, in 2020

The Favorite stands out above all thanks to its style, its very feverish staging, its unusual camera angles, its sumptuous artistic direction, as well as by the quality of its dialogues and the humor that emanates from them, sometimes frontal, sometimes more diffuse . Even if the ending leaves you wondering (lovers of well-crafted conclusions, be warned!), seeing these three warriors who struggle in their own way in a “virile” world, where men are however reduced to the roles of lampshades, is pure jubilation.

Marc-André Lussier, in 2018

Skillfully led by Hooper, whose suave and elegant direction is entirely at the service of the screenplay by David Seidler (himself a stutterer as a child), The King’s Speech is an academic work, of a sober classicism and good taste, interpreted impeccably by Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter, in the role of the wife of George V, the future “queen mother”.

Marc Cassivi in ​​2010

Before being the queen that we know, Victoria had a very eventful start to her reign. An impetuous young woman, she was also the lover of her husband and cousin, Prince Albert. This romantic biopic deploys a beautiful energy, especially in its first part. We regret the insistence on highlighting the moods of the young queen.

Anabelle Nicoud, in 2009

If the success of the film is due to the quality of the script and the dialogues, it is also due to the exceptional quality of the performers. In the role of Elizabeth II, Helen Mirren offers an admirable performance here. Its composition, very fine, reveals the rich interiority of a woman who, without having had the slightest choice, has put her life at the service of an institution. Stephen Frears’ excellent film satisfies the voyeur in us (the crowned heads in their daily lives), and is also a relentless political fable.

Marc-André Lussier, in 2006

Faithful to his approach, the filmmaker Shekhar Kapur offers here a flamboyant film, rich in romantic flights. If it is clear that the characters are realistic only by the name of those from whom they are inspired (Clive Owen gives his adventurer the appearance of a movie hero), the actors manage on the other hand to give an authentic character to this story. Cate Blanchett offers an exceptional performance, giving her Elisabeth all the ardor, the impetuosity, the excess that the character requires. The actress also blends wonderfully into the exacerbated universe created by Shekhar Kapur. It is also largely thanks to her that the filmmaker’s approach is crowned with success.

Marc-André Lussier, in 2007

Far from the staunch academicism that often characterizes historical films, Kapur offers us, in elizabeth , a fundamentally lively film. Intrigues, betrayals, murders, bloody religious wars, romanticism and sensuality make up the menu of a story built in the style of a contemporary suspense. If only one element of elizabeth, it would undoubtedly be the game inspired by Australian actress Cate Blanchett. The latter brings to her character strength, grace, and nuance. And leads with brilliance the long march towards maturity of this legendary figure of the XVI^e century.

Marc-André Lussier, in 1998