A film based on the life and times of Margaret Thatcher was always going to be a little controversial. I’m originally from the northern city of Leeds and she was about as popular back then (and I’m pretty sure even now) as a rather large piece of flying dog shit.
During her reign she increased taxes during the recession in the early 1980’s, her policies led to the eventual closures of many mines, mainly in the northern England, destroying whole communities. She also led Britain to war in the Falkland’s where over 200 British servicemen and women lost their lives, these just some of many unpopular policies she implemented.
On the flip side though, the policy of privatisation was called the main ‘highlight’ which fuelled economic growth in the country and eventually got the country back on its feet also encouraging growth within the finance & service sectors.
As we kick things off Maggie is old and decrepit (so kind of now) and is still mourning the death of her husband Denis (Jim Broadbent) while on the verge of dementia. From here on in we’re catapulted back and forth in time, showing us Maggie growing up as a daughter of a grocery shop owner in Grantham, her eventual interest in politics, a stint at Oxford, then onto becoming a Conservative candidate in Dartford where she meets her larger than life husband, Denis.
Where this film really becomes punchy though is when we eventually arrive at Maggie’s leading of the Conservative party into victory at the 1979 election. We are taken through her battles with the unions, the Falkland’s war, Northern Ireland, as well as many, many more political tussles! The movie combines actual footage from the time which really creates a big impact on how fragile and tense feelings were in Britain during this time.
The film is (surprise, surprise) rather sympathetic to Maggie, showing us her love for her husband, family & desire to ‘do good’ for the country. There are a few moments where she comes across as a bit of bully, certainly towards her cabinet in an attempt to balance things. But whatever your feelings towards this lady you cannot deny what she achieved and that she will always remain a prominent figure within British politics.
Overall I felt this was really well made and had me captivated from start to finish. The director Phyllida Lloyd (Mamma Mia) presents this material in an engaging way with Streeps portrayal of Maggie being wonderful to watch on screen. And with some solid support from Broadbent and a few other familiar British faces, this should keep most pretty satisfyed!
8 northern thumbs out of 10.
Released in Oz on Boxing Day.
Teaser Trailer: http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/video/2011/jul/07/iron-lady-margaret-thatcher-trailer
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