Margaret Thatcher: The Iron Lady

Margaret Thatcher: The Iron Lady from 2012 is a biopic film directed by Phyllida Lloyd, which centers around the life and political career of Margaret Thatcher, the former British Prime Minister. The movie is a gripping and informative portrayal of one of the most influential and controversial figures in recent British history, and boasts an outstanding cast including Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher, Jim Broadbent as her husband Denis Thatcher, and Alexandra Roach as the younger Margaret.

The story of Thatcher's life is presented in a non-linear fashion, as the film intercuts between her early years, her rise to power, and her time as Prime Minister. The movie begins with a glimpse of Thatcher's childhood in Grantham, a small town in England, where she showed an early interest in politics and her determination to fight her way to the top. We see her journey through her studies at the University of Oxford, her rise in the Conservative Party, and her eventual appointment as Prime Minister in 1979.

The movie tackles some of the defining moments of Thatcher's reign as Prime Minister, including her handling of the Falklands War in 1982, her opposition to the miners' strike of 1984-1985, and her campaign to privatize state-owned industries. The film does an excellent job of presenting these events in context, providing a nuanced view of Thatcher's actions and the forces that shaped them. Throughout the story, we see how Thatcher's beliefs and values were shaped by her father's political teachings, and how she used her iron will and unshakable conviction to achieve her goals.

One of the standout features of the film is the exceptional performance by Meryl Streep in the lead role. Streep's Thatcher is a complex and nuanced portrayal, capturing both her steely resolve and her humanity. We see her vulnerability as a woman in a male-dominated world, her love for her husband, and her anguish at the loss of her son in the Falklands. Streep's transformation into Thatcher is truly remarkable, and she is fully deserving of the Academy Award she received for Best Actress.

The supporting cast in the movie is equally superb. Jim Broadbent's portrayal of Denis Thatcher is particularly memorable, capturing his loyalty and devotion to his wife, and his comic moments help to lighten the mood of the film. Meanwhile, Alexandra Roach's portrayal of the younger Margaret is a revelation, and her scenes with Streep are some of the most emotionally charged in the movie.

The cinematography of the movie is impressive, particularly the use of colour to signify the different periods of Thatcher's life. The early scenes in Grantham are bathed in a warm, amber glow, while the scenes of Thatcher's political rise and prime ministership are shot in cooler, more muted colours. The movie also makes excellent use of archival footage to help anchor the story in its historical context.

In conclusion, Margaret Thatcher: The Iron Lady is a compelling, insightful and entertaining biopic that provides a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of Britain's most divisive political figures. The film is a triumph of acting, directing and screenwriting, and is a must-see for anyone interested in politics, history, or the art of filmmaking.