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Queen Christina is a dramatic and historical film released in 1933. Directed by Rouben Mamoulian, this period piece stars the renowned Swedish actress Greta Garbo in the title role of Christina, the Queen of Sweden. The film opens with a young Christina being crowned after the death of her father, Gustav II Adolph. Christina is initially excited to take up the mantle of Queen, but soon finds that her duties and expectations as a ruler are more stifling than she had anticipated. Her advisors and the Swedish court expect her to marry and bear children to secure the succession, but Christina is far more interested in intellectual and social pursuits, much to the chagrin of her councilors.

She is a free-spirited, enlightened and independent woman, which is not appreciated by the people around her. However, Christina is a woman with a big heart, and her subjects can feel her warmth and good intentions. She is passionate about her beliefs and opinions, and she is not afraid to act on them. The movie focuses on Christina's personal struggles and her own awakening to her true identity and desires.

The plot builds up around the queen's relationship with Antonio, one of the Spanish ambassadors attending a conference in Stockholm. He is played by John Gilbert, a popular romantic lead from the silent era. The two are immediately drawn to one another, and their attraction intensifies as they spend more time together. However, their romance is thwarted by political woes and conflicting interests in their nations, leaving Christina heartbroken and alone.

The film is not all about romance, however. There is also a strong element of political intrigue and power dynamics among Christina's courtiers. Ian Keith plays the role of the Count Magnus, who is equally determined to use Christina to further his own political machinations. He is an insidious and diabolical character, and it is clear that his motivations are far from pure.

The historical drama delves into the complexities of Christina's reign, her personal struggles and her impact on Sweden's religious and political landscape. She is portrayed as a monarch who is ahead of her time, and whose forward-thinking ideas and policies were not always understood or appreciated by her contemporaries.

The film's cinematography is a standout feature. The director captures the beauty and grandeur of the Swedish countryside and the striking architecture of 17th-century Stockholm. The costumes and set pieces are also of a high quality, fitting for the period in which the film is set.

Overall, Queen Christina is a memorable film that explores themes of love, politics and personal identity. It showcases Garbo at the height of her acting prowess, delivering a nuanced and heartfelt performance as the queen who refused to conform to societal norms. The supporting cast also shines, particularly Gilbert and Keith, who deliver compelling performances as Christina's love interest and political foe respectively.

It is a movie that embodies the classic Hollywood era, with its epic storyline, sweeping camera shots, and grandiose production values. It's an emotional and thought-provoking film that offers an insight into the history of Sweden and the life of one of the country's most fascinating monarchs.

Queen Christina is a 0193 history movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.