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The Iron Lady
- Review Date: December 30, 2011
- PG-13
- Genre: Drama
- 2011
Common Sense Media says
Streep is riveting in well-acted but underwhelming biopic.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that The Iron Lady follows the life of Margaret Thatcher from a humble grocer's daughter to the United Kingdom's prime minister. A few violent images are shown -- notably of the Falklands War and of upset demonstrators, as well as of a character being killed by a car bomb -- and in one news-footage scene, the bare breasts of a woman in a crowd are visible. Language is limited to "bloody" and "damn," and romance consists of a few sweet embraces, dances, and kisses between the Thatchers. The film's depiction of major historical and political events may not hook most teens, but this biopic offers a valuable lesson in both British and women's history.
What's the story?
Near the end of her life, an aged and occasionally senile Margaret Thatcher (Meryl Streep) sees and speaks to her late husband, Dennis (Jim Broadbent). Her conversations with his ghost lead to flashbacks to her early life (young Margaret is played by Alexandra Roach), from the day she tells her grocer father that she's been admitted to Oxford to meeting Dennis (played by Harry Lloyd as a younger man) at a Tory dinner party to her political rise as the only woman to ever become prime minister of the United Kingdom. An outsider by gender and class, Thatcher makes unpopular decisions but remains single-mindedly steadfast in her approach to leading the country.
Is it any good?
Director Phyllida Lloyd's quasi-biopic is a collaboration of talented women, including herself at the helm (she also made the cheery musical Mamma Mia!), screenwriter Abi Morgan (who also wrote the critically acclaimed Shame) and, of course, Streep in the spotlight role, transforming herself once again. Streep lives up to the ridiculously high expectations audiences have of her in pretty much any film -- greatness.
It's not that she nails the accent or posture or hairstyle but that she's able to make one of the most polarizing political figures in recent world history a sympathetic underdog. There's a brilliant shot of the young Thatcher wearing a hat and carrying her signature purse walking into Parliament among a sea of men; it doesn't matter where you are on the political spectrum, you feel the impact of her presence. Broadbent and Lloyd are notable as the elder and younger Mr. Thatchers, but Streep is the reason audiences will go -- and stay -- despite some underwhelming montages and under-explored aspects of the (in)famous PM's life.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how The Iron Lady depicts Margaret Thatcher's rise to power. How is she portrayed? How can she inspire other young women?
The scenes between Margaret and her late husband are all imagined, so the movie isn't a standard "biopic." Does that matter? Why do you think the filmmakers chose to take that route?
Do you have to agree with Margaret Thatcher's politics to enjoy the movie? Do you think it's out to convey any specific agenda?
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AGE
Streep gives one of her best roles
Alot of reviews I've read note how the movie's not that great, but Meryl Streep is worth your admission to see it, and I'd pretty much agree. They focused too much on the older-Thatcher going into dimensia, when they should've focused on her career more. But GO see this movie so you'll understand why Streep won a Golden Globe for her thrilling take on the Prime Minister.
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AGE
Boring movie!
This movie was appropriate.....but soooooooo boring. Parents should see this by themselves.....ugggg I wasted 2 hrs. of my life!
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Kid, 12 years old
January 20, 2012
AGE
Good movie, too harsh for little kids
I think that this movie is a lot better than some of the reviews say. While people were expecting more of a movie about Thatcher's career, and less about her memories once she is old. Nevertheless, it was a very good movie. Meryl Streep was fabulous, as usual. This movie would probably be too brutal for younger children, as it has gloomy themes about death and grief. It also includes lots of war scenes that are very violent. Good role models and morals, though.
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Kid, 12 years old
February 7, 2012
AGE
The iron lady? Or the crazy lady (how hollywood puts it :(
It was the worst movie, concerning the plot and messages, I put a good message because there was only one! They show the iron lady as an old hag not giving her credit for making the Uk a wonderful place and making peace with the US! Make sure your kids understand getting old and terrists. My recomendation is "SKIP IT" doesnt explain anything and youll be bored out of shoes by watching a crazy old lady even though Magret Thatcher was one of the best women leaders.
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AGE
For Mature 13 year olds
There is some nudity which I definitely did not appreciate. Two of the characters are in love. There is a little bit of language but not enough to give it a PG-13 rating. There is lots of violence and gore which I personally found disturbing. It is obvious that one character is losing her mind which kind of takes away from the historical part. All in all, I'd recommend this for a mature 13 year old if you close your eyes while all of England is celebrating so that you will not see the nudity in that part.
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AGE
Great for mature kids
I loved the movie shows stories or courage and learning from mistakes however there are scenes of a man covered in blood in a riot and sometimes there is drinking and smoking but overall a great movie .
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Kid, 12 years old
April 8, 2012
AGE
NO,NO,NO
WHY MAKE A MOVIE GLORIFYING MARGARET THATCHER?
WHY???
SHE IS MEAN AND EVIL!
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| Topics: | great girl role models, history |
| Studio: | Weinstein Co. |
| Director: | Phyllida Lloyd |
| Cast: | Anthony Head, Jim Broadbent, Meryl Streep |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 105 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | December 30, 2011 |
| DVD release date: | April 10, 2012 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | some violent images and brief nudity |
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