My visit to the theatre this past weekend to see The Queen was quite an adventure. Wow, what a wonderful depiction of the monarchy. Set in the days up to and following the death of Princess Diana, this dramatic behind the scenes glimpse of the interaction between Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prime Minister Tony Blair depicts the often sharp emotions and conversation that surrounded those dark days. It lays bare the struggle within England to handle the tragedy with grace.
The Royal family wishes to keep the mourning private but the publics demand for a funeral service for the masses brings great conflict between the Queen and Blair. When the smoke clears you see grieving subjects reach out to the pain in the hearts of the Royals and a connection that is centuries old is mended, if just for those few minutes.
I'm sure there are some fact misplaced and some things added for the screen version, all movies based on fact are massaged a little, but this has great acting and amazing emotion. I highly recommend it. Helen Mirren, who plays Queen Elizabeth I in a previous TV movie is fantastic in the role of QE I's daughter. Michael Sheen gives a remarkable performance as Tony Blair. It was brilliance to cast these two for these roles. This film may not see many awards as it doesn't play up the Hollywood way, but so what. It's a winner in my book, I think you'll feel the same way.
You can read a review from Focus On The Family here... http://www.pluggedinonline.com/movies/movies/a0003039.cfm
Something greater than the movie came to mind that evening after I ate more popcorn than I should have. I realized just how hard it is for people to face tragedy, especially when you have others who put their expectations on you. I was immediately taken in my mind to a familiar story I've heard for years. It's the story of Lazarus, Jesus' friend who dies while he is away.
When Jesus arrives the family has mixed emotions and states their own expectations of Jesus. One phrase stood out as I thought of this story... Jesus Wept... (John 11:35) Not Jesus made justification for his late arrival... Not Jesus looked at them and gave them what for because they questioned him... Not Jesus looked them in the eye and said get a grip! Simply stated... Jesus Wept. He cried. His heart mourned... Why? Didn't he know that in just a few minutes Lazarus would be alive again? Wasn't he the one that said he was glad he was not there and that it was to their benefit he was late? Wasn't there a plan to turn this tragedy into triumph? Yes to all the above.
Then why did Jesus cry? Go look in the mirror for a moment. I'll wait...
Who did you see? Dumb question huh. Jesus cried because what hurts our hearts hurts his. Don't believe me, do you devotions from Hebrews 4:14-16 for the next couple of days until you get it. He wanted us to know, he knew us. It's because he knew us he came to earth to die for us. So the next time you're in sorrow, go ahead, cry. Jesus would. Then do what he tells you, Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16).
He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords and he has no difficulty facing tragedy and helping you to do the same.
Hope you see the movie and then I hope you see the King. Miss the first if you're not the movie type or this isn't your style of movie, but for your lifes sake, don't pass up the second.
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