Her Majesty

Her Majesty is a captivating movie from 2001 that allows its audience to take a nostalgic journey back in time to the late fifties. The central plot revolves around an endearing young girl named Elizabeth, portrayed faultlessly by the talented Sally Andrews. Set in idyllic New Zealand, her life takes an exciting turn upon the announcement of a royal visit. Simultaneously, the movie explores this era's bitter racial tensions and acts as an endearing testament to childhood innocence.

As the lead role, Sally Andrews is exceptional as Elizabeth Wakefield, a 13-year-old dreaming of escaping her provincial confines to live a life brimming with grandeur and opulence. It's not hard to feel enamoured with her radiating optimism and charisma that balances playfulness and innocent sincerity. Elizabeth’s world is enthralled with all things British, vowing loyalty to her dreamland thousands of miles away, bolstered by the belief in diversity and acceptance. No one gets into her dreams more than Queen Elizabeth II, who is planned to visit New Zealand.

Similarly, veterans Anna Sheridan and Mark Clare masterfully add another layer of depth to the movie with their performances. Each character in the story, from the stern patriarch to the supportive mother and the bullying older siblings, paints a vivid picture of the era’s societal norms.

The movie, directed by Mark J. Gordon, creates an elegant visual contrast between Kiwi simplicity and royal sophistication. The landscape of New Zealand - with its verdant meadows, azure skies, and quaint townships - forms the perfect backdrop for this enticing narrative. The depiction not only stuns with its visuals but also hints at underlying class and colonial distinctions, offering a subtle critique of the prevailing social norms of the time.

Her Majesty isn’t just about the chronicle of a young girl's fascination with British royalty; it touches upon deeper themes as well. The explicit racial tension between the Maori natives and British settlers is navigated through Elizabeth's unlikely friendship with an older Maori woman called Hira Mata, interpreted with a profound sense of dignity and gentleness by Vicky Haughton. This story, woven into the narrative, forms the heart of the movie: a friendship that burgeons across cultural, social and generational divides. The relationship that develops juxtaposes the anticipation of the royal grandeur with the simplicity and nobility in Hira’s world.

The script addresses the undercurrents of racism and highlights the rigid class system that echoes from British colonisation. It unearths a less-seen side of the historical context of the era, touching upon the harsh realities and bitter struggles of marginalised communities, all while providing a heart-warming narrative that leaves the audience with a sense of hope, connection, and resilience.

Through the remarkable storytelling of Her Majesty, the audience is offered a smorgasbord of emotions: a slightly uncomfortable depiction of social issues, the innocent charm of Elizabeth’s dreams, and the excitement of royal frivolity peppered with dry Kiwi humour. Equally remarkable is the universally resonating portrayal of childhood innocence that prevails even in the face of grim realities.

Employing a rich colour palette and a touch of detailed period authenticity, the movie is beautifully shot, capturing the golden New Zealand light that equals the impressive vistas of "The Lord of the Rings" in beauty. The film’s aesthetic appeal is further enhanced by the grandeur of the royal visit, which is shown with such detail and historical accuracy that it is effortlessly transportive, taking audiences back to the 1950s.

The movie's score is another element that deserves recognition. Composed by William Ross, it is a beautiful medley that oscillates between, and perfectly complements, the two contrasting worlds of rural New Zealand and British regality. The excellent soundtrack selection adds another nostalgic layer to this throwback, further inviting the audience to immerse themselves in that bygone era.

In all, Her Majesty is both a historical snapshot and timeless coming-of-age tale. It is an engaging blend of comedy, drama and history, using clever storytelling and classic film techniques. It sparks a healthy dialogue about race and social differences while perfectly retaining its charm and compelling narrative. A must-watch for anyone who enjoys stories with a strong sense of place and historical intricacies.