jhere4unow "Her Majesty" is a film that is appropriate for all ages. It shows the value of sticking up for what is is important. It plays havoc with the town gossips who are led by a woman of money and power, but who has no grasp with the true meaning of the people who occupied the land before her. Yes, she and her cronies are the hens in "Music Man" and I felt the young Elizabeth was going up to Boo Radley's door as in "To Kill A Mockingbird," but the universal themes of sticking up for what is important and having condescension within one family are obvious existent realities.The only problem I had was with the character of the brother who I felt went over the limit in antagonizing his sister; indeed, beyond sibling rivalry. If he had been the boy next door, or a latent admirer of Elizabeth, I might have understood his vindictiveness.

roxanne_janson Excellent movie for kids and family. Perfect for ages 10 and up, but 7-year-old kids absolutely loved it, too. As my daughter said, "It was so good, I forgot to eat my candy!" I spoke to several of the children, teenagers and adults after the movie. They all thoroughly enjoyed it. I specifically asked the mothers of 7-year-old girls if they were glad they brought their young daughters to the movie even though it's PG, and they each enthusiastically said yes. "Good values" was a phrase I heard very often by the adults. "Every girl should see it", said another.The main character works through issues such as basic right and wrong, friendship, bigotry, and family communication, and gives parents in the audience a wonderful opportunity to begin discussions on these topics with their own children. Finally, a good movie I'm actually glad my daughter saw.

jdesando `Her Majesty' is a New Zealand story for the whole family set in the '50's about a young girl's idealism and white racism against the Maoris. Elizabeth Wakefield (Sally Andrews) is a 13-year old royalist hell bent on meeting Queen Elizabeth. But before that can happen she must first go through the coming-of-age challenges of racist whites, angry Maoris, out-of-it parents, over-the-top cruel brother, unfaithful friends, handsome teacher, and scores of unanswered letters to the queen.First-time film director Mark Jordan has caught the didactic spirit of `Whale Rider,' a New Zealand tale of 12–year-old Pai's struggle to become chief of her Maori people in the face of daunting sexism and tradition. As in that film, `Her Majesty' exposes the foolishness of the men and the wisdom of the women. None is wiser than the `town witch,' Hira Mata (`Whale Rider's' Vicky Haughton), who befriends Elizabeth and serves as the change agent for civility. The queen's imminent arrival serves as a metaphoric wakeup call for the town to sharpen up, not just for the gardens but for their own racist regimen.The performances are stiff and slow as might be expected for a film better suited to young audiences: The fight scenes between sister and brother are like awkward dance lessons; the reactions of almost everyone are too large for the screen, except for old Mata's, themselves not as subtle as they could be.Queen Elizabeth II visited the location, Cambridge, New Zealand, in 1953. Gordon catches the spirit, mood, and look of that age in vivid primary colors, almost cartoon or comic like. But the moral lessons learned by little Elizabeth transcend even the queen; she has learned, as Henry Potter said in 1889, `the one pre-eminent distinction, the royalty of virtue.' It's the New Zealand I remember and the Maori spirit I felt; for that, Gordon earns my respect.

PetraB "Her Majesty" is a delightful film that addresses light-hearted issues such as girlish crushes and important social commentary like racism, colonial rule, and `selective' history teachings. The story is similar to many told among all ethic backgrounds in New Zealand and around the world.The beauty of New Zealand only contributes the excellent composure of each shot in this movie. The director of photography, Stephan Katz (Blues Brothers, 1980), allows the viewers a peak into the graceful countryside of New Zealand, but also the wide-eyed imagery that only a child can truly experience. First time director, Mark Gordon takes on all the hardships of working with children (the protagonist, Elizabeth, is played by a first time actor), a dog, and in a foreign country and executes perfectly. Although Mark Gordon is an American from California he manages to delve into New Zealand history and society in a way few New Zealanders would expect.I personally am keeping my fingers crossed that this film will not be limited to the film festival circuits around the world; I would rather know it will be viewed and enjoyed by others wide spread. If you have an opportunity to see this film don't miss it. It is the ideal family film for both the children and adults in the family.Enjoy!