Highly Recommended
Audience: ages 13 and up
Saw this movie a couple weeks ago and want to recommend it to anyone who is interested in history or cares about politics, or plans to vote this year!
First of all, it is an amazing acting job by Meryl Streep, who plays Margaret Thatcher, ages 40-80. In the opening scenes I had to convince myself that it was indeed Meryl Streep and not a third actress, as the aging makeup was so remarkable. This is a movie of head shots and I challenge you to find one that is not up to par. But that is only makeup. Streep is transformed into Margaret Thatcher with spot-on British accent and delivery as well as the way she physically carries herself. To see her walk and putter as the elderly Baroness Thatcher is a tribute to the dignity of the aging process and Streep's respect for her character.
Secondly, it was encouraging to watch the story of a principled politician develop, from Thatcher's early days as grocer's daughter and scholarship student to strong party leader. She patiently pays her dues in the man's world of politics to eventually conquer the "Good Old Boys" system. Margaret Thatcher earned her elections and never minced words, becoming the UK's strongest Prime Minister since Churchill. She remembered WW II and applied those lessons to the Cold War and acts of terror. Thatcher stood by her beliefs when it was not popular or politically advantageous to do so, quite different from our current pre-occupation with external appearances and political correctness.
A few quotes, or near-quotes, from the movie:
"We will stand on principle, or we will not stand at all."
"A person's life has to mean something."
"People don't think anymore; they feel."
"I'm not interested in feelings. Thoughts and ideas, now that's interesting."
"Watch your thoughts for they become words. Watch your words for they become actions. Watch your actions for they become habits. Watch your habits for they become your character. Watch your character for it becomes your destiny."
I can think of only two draw-backs to the film. One is that it sometimes moves jarringly between present day and historical flashbacks. Secondly, Thatcher's hallucinations of her deceased husband Denis grow increasingly distracting later in the film. Nonetheless, their union is a touching portrayal of teamwork and devotion. On the other hand, sacrifices made by the family to support Thatcher's calling are not glossed over either.
This is a lovely movie about aging, about the dignity and importance of one's life, about the significance of hard work and good choices. Every high school and college history student should see this film! And, if you lived through the 80s, it's nice to know it wasn't all about Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston.
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