The Iron Lady Reviews

Our Review

Streep's spectacular capture of Thatcher

Adam Bub, MovieFix

The Iron Lady could have easily have been a creaky, by-the-numbers political biopic recounting the career of Britain's first and only female Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher.

Thankfully, this excellent film opts for a more rewarding and less clear-cut examination of the junction between the public and private personas of the said "Iron Lady", played spectacularly by Meryl Streep.

We meet Baroness Thatcher (a convincingly aged Streep) in the present day, lonely in her London apartment and suffering from dementia. Haunted by memories of her beloved, flamboyant late husband Denis (Jim Broadbent), Margaret reflects on her past, from her early years trying to break the glass ceiling as a local politician during the 1950s (played in her youth by newcomer Alexandra Roach) to her reign as a right-wing conservative prime minister from 1979 to 1990.

Mamma Mia! director Phyllida Lloyd presents a strikingly intimate portrait of one of the most loved and hated political figures in recent history, not shying away from the divisiveness of the chosen subject. The impact of her stringent economic policies on the British populace is felt through raw footage from the 1980s, while her controversial escalation of the Falklands War is thoroughly explored.

But The Iron Lady pays more attention to the personal price paid by such a public figure, with the added layers of sexism and class enhancing the drama of a woman in power in a man's world.

This is a fascinating angle, but too much time is spent dwelling on Thatcher's elderly decline, a clunky conceit that could have been tightened to reiterate the power of the gripping flashbacks.

Last but not least, the film's strongest asset is the iron-clad, Oscar-worthy performance of the incomparable Streep. There's acting, and then there's Meryl Streep-ing. She gamely sinks her prosthetic teeth into her greatest performance yet, a commanding combination of her Devil Wears Prada authority and Julie and Julia boisterousness.

It's a spellbinding performance in a robust, absorbing and luckily not entirely humourless cinematic effort.

Your Reviews

Anne M

The acting was brilliant, but I must admit the movie did not meet my expectations. I felt it dwelt more on Lady Thatcher's failing health rather than her political life. There are many people living with dementia, but there are not many who made such a mark in history. Like her or not, this lady was exceptional for her time. The chance to tell her true story in film has been ignored.

Lee

Streep is brilliant, she is only working with what the writers, producers etc gave to her. There was a fair focus on her later years, but I thought it tied in well with her years as PM. Showed that she still has/had a sharp mind. Thatcher was ruthless, but she was doing what she thought was right, whether you agree with her convictions or not. I neither agreed or disagreed, as it didn't affect me. What did affect me was how Streep brought her to life, she deserves the title of Best Actress ever to grace a screen.

T.M.M.QUINN

Meryl Streep is incredibly brilliant as Thatcher, perhaps her best ever performance. The movie however is very mediocre and at times quite boring.

anthony lowe

have you been to britain and seen what this so called iron lady did. she did the same as the governments are doing to this country sold it off to private enterprise and you wonder why we are going down the pan.

Mark G

Meryl Streep is superb - worth going to see for that alone. A very intimate and I thought intrusive portrayal of old Maggie (surely they should have waited until she was gone before depicting her in this state). Also thought that they wee a bit too soft on her in regard to some of the awful policies and vindictive nature if the woman.

Eilatan

I thought Meryl Streep did a fantastic job playing Thatcher & the cast as a whole was brilliant, but I really didn't like the movie itself much. It wasn't as interesting as I hoped because it skimmed over so much that she achieved. What I found really sad was the amount of time spent showing the disintegration of a fine mind (love her or hate her - she did have a fine mind) to no real purpose. There's no point in that - it's just a cruel reminder to any family or friends who can't avoid seeing bits & pieces of it.

A K

Superb acting, the opening scene alone is worth an Oscar.. Meryl Streep has given the role her very best and I think, she's going to be a very strong candidate for best female role in the awards. Politically, the film is neither for or against - it's not a political statement or documentary, after all - but it accurately portrays the qualities and dynamic character of this remarkable woman. It covers most aspects of her life in a realistic way and, in my opinion, it doesn't offend the viewer or misrepresents her story. Please, put politics aside and enjoy a great film!

Turbo

An excellent movie. Great acting; Meryl Streep could win an Oscar; great rendition of the life and times of Thather and very enjoyable. Woth seeing

Kate

The film was fantastic, I really enjoyed it. A lot of the emphasis was on how Thatcher dealt with the riots and IRA controversies during her time as PM and how her past experiences helped shape her responses i.e. her father and the death of one of her most trusted advisors, Airey Neave (MP for Nrth Ireland). In contrast to some views that it showed Thatcher in a bad light, I would disagree; it showed some of her imperfections both as PM and in old age however she still made some very insightful comments about modern politics and it's emphasis on appearances and feelings rather than actions. Oscar worthy performance by Streep and Jim Broadbent's Denis Thatcher make the film even better; there are some sad bits at the end though! Highly recommend this film to anyone looking for a bit of substance.

Historian

All Acting was suburb! Streep was backed buy a great supporting cast that delivered a powerful and entertaining show. 3 stars due plot and story that was oridinary considering Thatchers achievements and life from a purely historical aspect. This was poor considering the richness of the subject. Looking back from dementure to fleeting memories only drove the point home and it was quite disappointing. All been considered I thought it was a cheap shot... but I suppose politics knows no bounds.

Belinda

I agree with JMC,s comments. The acting by Meryl was brilliant though. Not a story that will fare well with the traditional dominant male. A not to be missed flick for the ambitious chick :-)

Troy Campbell

There’s no doubt about it: Meryl Streep will be nominated for her 17th Academy Award for her portrayal of Britain’s most controversial Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, in this otherwise underwhelming biopic. Streep is mesmerizing as usual, but the mode of storytelling employed by screenwriter Abi Morgan and director Phyllida Lloyd – sporadic flashbacks among elongated stretches of following the elderly and mentally fragile Maggie – is a huge misfire. The scenes which recount her path from young adulthood through to local politics and then to her 11 years of turbulent leadership are intriguing, however they are too far and few between to really grip. Sure, it checks off the list as far as famous moments go, but a more in depth insight into how she ran the country would’ve been nice.

Ken Wharton

Not a Thatcher lover and not yet to see this film and therefore, unable to comment other than to ask: why was a British actress not chosen? Patricia Hodge did a magnificent job in the BBC's 'Falklands Play.' Why did they have to choose a damn American (great actress though she is)? Was it to sell the film to an American audience? What next; a re-make of 'The King's Speach' starring Clint Eastwood as George VI?

valkau

Streep delivers her usual superb performance in what was a very disturbing film. Despite giving so much and achieving so much for Britain it seems to count for little in the end. I suspect your age will detrmine your view of this woman and the film. Our session was full with almost nobody under 60 (few under 70 I suspect). A few tiresome parts due to repetition of technique but a great study into determination and power. Some political tips for us too.... " nobody thinks any more - it's all feelings".

the movie spends 2 minutes on her becoming prime minister, and an hour on her having breakfast. the acting by streep is solid, and the scenes in parliament are well done, but it focuses far too much on her dementia, and makes her appear to be weak. definitely not what the title suggests!

Gayner

Quite a good study of an old woman suffering from mild dementia, who gradually comes to terms with the fact that her husband died some years ago and finally cleans the house of his memorabilia and imagined presence. As a study of a formidable politician it is just a collection of disjointed flashbacks; if you hadn't lived through that era you would be forgiven if you didn't know or care what most of the flashbacks were about. 5 stars to Streep for her performance, zilch for the film composition or story. I hope that when the writers and directors die, they do so alone, unsung and forgotten.

JMC

The acting was superb but the film was horrible. It strikes me that it was a cruel way for those who hated Thatcher to get their revenge. During her years in office she always had a clarity of mind, vision and decisiveness almost unsurpassable amongst her colleagues. To show her hallucinating in her dotage full of self-doubt is a sadistic way of negating her intelligence and hard work, whether you agree with her policies or not. Since she is still alive and unable to defend herself, it is a wonder that her family have not sued the film makers for slander.

Steve

Good film. I found the character lacked the brutality and iron of the woman. It also romanticised the story. The ugly bits and controversies are glossed over. This makes the film ho hum.

Goldilocks

firstly Meryl Streep does not disappoint. she is channelling margaret thatcher and is amazing. Jim broadbent also is great as Denis and adds some sensitivity and depth to a man that for a public figure not much is known. watching the movie I was struck by just how much this lady achieved in her life and just how dire a situation she inherited. it is sort of relevant I think to britain and the riots. that is the good news. The bad news is that the film dwells on thatchers final years relying on flashbacks to tell the real story. It is such. A pitty that not more was made so her earlier and mid. Years of success but more so her down fall. All in all the script felt very disjointed to the point of being annoying. Steep however is worth the price of a ticket

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