Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that there is some mild swearing ("hell," "damn," "ass") and a few minor sexual references (Elizabeth's brother comments on her undeveloped chest and the town's mayor has an affair with a prominent woman). Hira Mata smokes a pipe and Elizabeth's brother Stuart and his friends drink alcohol (Stuart is promptly punished). Stuart constantly displays bad behavior, from smashing a window and making disparaging remarks about the Maoris to attempting to burn down a house, but the movie makes it clear that his actions are not acceptable. The movie very directly attacks racist attitudes and promotes embracing and celebrating other cultures. Elizabeth is a positive, strong role model.
Families who see this movie might want to look into the history of New Zealand -- many kids will not understand why the New Zealanders are so excited to have the Queen of England visit or the tense relationship between the Maoris and the European-descended New Zealanders. They could discuss the assumptions Elizabeth and Hira initially have about each other and how they got past these stereotypes. What did Elizabeth and Hira learn from each other? How does Elizabeth's new worldview make her a better person?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Common Sense Media
HER MAJESTY is a gentle cross-cultural tale from New Zealand that's guaranteed to make you smile. It has an old-fashioned feel to it; its lack of inappropriate violence and sex combined with its universal themes, visual beauty, and charming story of acceptance and friendship make it the kind of movie you can feel comfortable sharing with the whole family, from tweens to grandparents. Sure, it can be a bit corny at times, but ultimately it's an inspiring and entertaining film worth sharing with the ones you love.
The movie is set in 1953 New Zealand, in the small hamlet of Middleton. In this provincial town thirteen-year-old Elizabeth Wakefield (Sally Andrews), an ordinary girl with a runaway imagination and a fascination with Queen Elizabeth II, lives with her parents and surly older brother Stuart (Craig Elliott)). Elizabeth daydreams about meeting the beautiful young queen, and upon hearing that the Monarch is planning a tour of New Zealand, she begins a intensive letter-writing campaign, begging the Queen to visit her sleepy village.
As Elizabeth waits to hear about the Queen's itinerary, she befriends an old Maori woman named Hira Mata (Vicky Haughton). Elizabeth meets Hira after Stuart throws a rock at Hira's house – she goes to make amends for her brother's actions. At first Hira is suspicious of Elizabeth, but eventually Elizabeth wins her over. Hira begins sharing stories of her tribe's history, and Elizabeth develops a deep respect for the Maori traditions and culture. As she learns more about how the English settlers treated the indigenous Maori people and how they murdered Hira's father, Elizabeth comes to understand why Hira doesn't share her enthusiasm for meeting the Queen. She realizes that there are two sides to every story, and that the version of history she has learned in school may not be as absolute as she had believed.
When it's announced that the Queen will be visiting Middleton, the townspeople are thrilled. Unfortunately, the upcoming visit brings out the worst in many people. Some of the racist and snobby members of the Rhododendron Trust are concerned that the Queen will see Hata's dilapidated home, and resort to desperate measures to make sure the eyesore is removed. Meanwhile, Elizabeth and Hira's friendship is tested when Elizabeth's parents forbid her to see Hira again and the parochial community turns on her for associating with a Maori. Elizabeth is ultimately forced to choose between her friendship with Hira and the opportunity to meet the Queen.
Rest assured that things end happily-ever-after -- somehow all the wrongs are righted, all the loose ends are tied up, and Elizabeth's miserable older brother gets his comeuppance.
Still, the movie does not shy away from some un-fairy-tale-like aspects such as racism, intolerance, and culture clashes. Although the message about understanding differences and respecting other cultures can be heavy-handed at times, these topics are certainly worthwhile ones to discuss with your kids. Many older children will be able to point out parallels between the Maori-European tensions and the ones here at home between various cultures. And even younger kids will be able to talk about what the townspeople learned from the Queen's visit and what Elizabeth and Hira learned from each other.
Everyone will enjoy the lush scenery, funny moments, and spirited performance by newcomer Sally Andrews as Elizabeth. Overall, this sweet movie is well worth sharing with your family.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentThe mayor has an affair; a brother calls his sister "flat-chested". Elizabeth has an innocent crush on her drill team leader. |
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ViolenceElizabeth points a gun in order to stop her brother from burning down a house. |
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LanguageSome mild language, including "damn" and "hell". |
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Social BehaviorElizabeth's brother behaves badly (he vandalizes a garden, throws a rock at a window, lies, torments his sister, makes racist comments, and tries to burn down a house), but the movie makes it clear that his actions are not acceptable. Tolerance and appreciation of other cultures is a theme of the movie. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoHira smokes a pipe; some teenage boys drink alcohol. |
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