A fantastic movie is set in my beautiful country, New Zealand. I love it! The rural setting is idyllic and the wholesomeness of the children establishes well the blue-skied naivety of the 1950’s New Zealand society. The “Maori witch†Hira banished to the town periphery is portrayed well by Vicky Haughton. Hira’s unexpected friendship with the young pakeha Elizabeth is transformational; helping peel back the angry shroud Hira encased herself in and revealing a proud daughter of a chief murdered by the towns folk. A fact that Elizabeth discovers has shamefully been hidden from the children of the town. The compassion Elizabeth shows Hira reflects a pure heart and her love gives Hira hope. Their friendship ignites magic culminating in the surreal scene in which the Queen visits Hira’s dilapidated porch apologizing in person for what happened to her father and returning his prized taiaha (staff). This movie, although fiction gives us hope that wrecked relationships between people who have committed a wrong and the people who have suffered a loss of dignity because of it can be repaired and then transformed.
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Her Majesty
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Poignant story about tolerance and friendship.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 10 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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What Parents Need to Know
About Her Majesty
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.
Read our full review by Common Sense Media Editors
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about and 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?
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Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
A must watch for New Zealand children!
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
I rate this title on for age 2 and give itGreat Family Film with a Great Meaning
Awesome movie! My mom loved it! Has great meaning and is completely clean. Appropriate for any family movie night!
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
a gem--destined to be a classic
A beautiful, heartwarming, funny, inspirational story. The type of movie you can watch with your parents(grandparents) and your kids. Our family (girl 10, boy 12) saw it in the theatre and now we own the DVD. You won't be disappointed. It's better than 99.9% of the so-called family fare put out by the major studios. It has real depth and meaning, works on several levels, and is genuinely entertaining throughout.
- I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
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