Watch Her Majesty

Her Majesty is a charming coming-of-age film set in rural New Zealand in the 1950s. The story revolves around the character of Elizabeth Wakefield, a young girl who dreams of leading an exciting life outside of her small town. As the granddaughter of the Queen, Elizabeth is expected to follow certain protocols and behave in a certain way, but she yearns for more.

When Elizabeth is sent to live with her grandparents in New Zealand, she is excited to experience a new way of life. However, she quickly discovers that life in New Zealand is not as glamorous as she had hoped. Her grandparents live in a small house in a rural community, and Elizabeth struggles to adjust to their simple way of living.

Despite her initial disappointment, Elizabeth soon forms a close bond with her grandfather, who introduces her to the wonders of nature and teaches her how to milk cows and shear sheep. Elizabeth also befriends a group of local children who are amused by her haughty attitude and British accent. One of the boys in the group, Hira, takes a special interest in Elizabeth and tries to teach her about the Maori culture.

As the weeks pass, Elizabeth begins to see the beauty in her new surroundings and develops a deeper appreciation for her grandparents' way of life. She also becomes increasingly aware of the tension between the Maori people and the white settlers, and learns about the injustices the Maori have faced.

Throughout the film, Elizabeth struggles to balance her duty as a member of the royal family with her desires to be a regular girl. She is torn between her love for her grandmother, who embodies the qualities of a proper lady, and her admiration for her grandfather, who encourages her to be independent and adventurous.

The performances in Her Majesty are outstanding, particularly from the young actors who play Elizabeth and Hira. Sally Andrews brings a level of nuance to Elizabeth, portraying her as a complex character with a strong will and a vulnerable side. Anna Sheridan is equally impressive as Elizabeth's grandmother, who struggles to connect with her granddaughter but eventually learns to appreciate her spirit.

Mark Clare, who plays Elizabeth's grandfather, brings a warmth and wisdom to his role that is truly affecting. His scenes with Andrews are some of the most touching in the film, and the chemistry between the two actors is palpable.

The cinematography in Her Majesty is also noteworthy, as the filmmakers capture the beauty of the New Zealand landscape in stunning detail. The film is full of sweeping shots of rolling hills, sparkling lakes, and lush forests, and the natural setting serves as a reminder of the simplicity and purity of life.

One of the most striking aspects of Her Majesty is its exploration of the conflict between tradition and progress. Elizabeth's struggle to find her place in the world is representative of a larger cultural shift that was taking place during the 1950s, as people began to question the old ways of doing things and seek new forms of expression and identity.

Overall, Her Majesty is a touching and poignant film that celebrates the beauty of childhood, the joys of nature, and the importance of finding one's own way in the world. It is a film that will resonate with audiences who have experienced the tension between tradition and progress, and who understand the difficulty of reconciling these opposing forces.

Her Majesty is a 2001 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 46.