The Queen

10

WayneW.Dec 27, 2006

The nuanced performance of Mirren was thoroughly entertaining and captivating. I would recommend this film to all!!

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10

AmandaJOct 23, 2006

Great Helen Mirren, great cast, great movie, my favorite of all time.

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9

KS.Oct 28, 2006

Excellent film. Mirren is great. Sheen? is great as Tony Blair. Insightful and enjoyable.

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10

KevinC.Jan 12, 2007

This was an engrossing, close and believably accurate examination of the of the royal family and its atavistic influence on the government of the UK. It brings off the "you are there" feel, and the performances by the entire cast are This was an engrossing, close and believably accurate examination of the of the royal family and its atavistic influence on the government of the UK. It brings off the "you are there" feel, and the performances by the entire cast are brilliant. The only bit that reminded me that I was not watching the real thing was the too dark hair color of the Tony Blair character. I got over it.… Expand

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8

ReidF.Jan 27, 2007

Every year, there is one movie that is elevated by the strength of its lead performance. Two years ago, it was

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6

GarryJoeH.Jan 28, 2007

A fine choice for TV, or for rental, especially for Royal gawkers. But as a theatre movie, it's no more than "a nice job". Put this against The Insider, or a good Bogart film, and you see how limited this flick really is.

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5

[Anonymous]Feb 15, 2007

I kept falling asleep during this movie. While the acting was very good, there was nothing that I did not know about this story that was revealed in the movie. Just the same story. I was somewhat bored.

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10

DavidR.Feb 19, 2007

A sterling character portrayal of Elizabeth II by Helen Mirren, who is certainly a lock for the Best Actress Oscar.

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6

OliverC.Feb 24, 2007

It was interesting, and the acting was great. However, it's not at all applicable, and the situation that the queen finds herself in couldn't be more insignificant in the real world. How can I relate to these people?

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7

JohnO.Apr 12, 2007

The only reason to see this film is to watch Helen Mirren's performance. Other than that it might just as well have been made for a TV audience.

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9

EricaApr 24, 2007

The acting was brilliant. Anyone who is interested in the monarchy or was saddened by Diana's death will love this movie.

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9

JakeB.Apr 29, 2007

Fascinating. Stephen Frears and Helen Mirren deliver yet again. Michael Sheen is probably a better Tony Blair than Tony Blair.

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9

AntonH.May 21, 2007

A fine movie about different generations: the English queen who lived through the horrors of World War II v.s. the English Prime Minister who wasn't alive to experience the hell. Having had a mother who lived in London during the war, I A fine movie about different generations: the English queen who lived through the horrors of World War II v.s. the English Prime Minister who wasn't alive to experience the hell. Having had a mother who lived in London during the war, I could understand the stoic nature of the queen of England. Helen Mirren is absolutely fantastic in her portrayal of the queen. Michael Sheen isn't far behind in his performance of Tony Blair. We know that the death of Princess Diana is the center point of this movie, but the real story is the generation gap between those who remember 1940-1945 and those who don't. Being calm under pressure v.s. running on the emotions of others. While the queen might have taken a beating, time has proven that she was probably correct. Stephen Frears really captures the sentiment of two different British generations, and the supporting cast is well suited for their roles. It was an excellent movie, and could serve one day as a fine history lesson.… Expand

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5

bjcMay 28, 2007

This movie was way overrated. I happen to love Princess Diana, so was eager to see this movie. It was just a reply of everything we already know. The man that played Tony Blair was very good, and Helen Mirren did an excellent job of playing This movie was way overrated. I happen to love Princess Diana, so was eager to see this movie. It was just a reply of everything we already know. The man that played Tony Blair was very good, and Helen Mirren did an excellent job of playing the queen, but that was not enough to make this movie anything other than average.… Expand

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9

WJNov 12, 2006

The movie is very sympathetic towards Queen Elizabeth, probably much more than she deserves, but it is utterly captivating and, I agree with the critics, funny in unexpected ways. Helen Mirren deserves an Oscar for her performance.

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4

AmyZNov 13, 2006

Hmmm . . . I kept waiting for this film to begin. The story seemed bizarrely untimely, and Diana's death so tired. Helen Mirren is fantastic, but the film seemed to lack any sort of plot. It offered some insight into the Monarchy (Queen Hmmm . . . I kept waiting for this film to begin. The story seemed bizarrely untimely, and Diana's death so tired. Helen Mirren is fantastic, but the film seemed to lack any sort of plot. It offered some insight into the Monarchy (Queen Elizabeth) and Tony Blair, yet wasn't a particularly compelling character study of either of them (or maybe it was a fabulous character study of very uninteresting people). Seemed there was an interesting political subtext but the film was too restrained to really grasp it . . . or perhaps I was too tired (and I daresay bored) to try. I'm perplexed by all of those perfect scores. Hmmm . . . .… Expand

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10

JackieP.Nov 17, 2006

I confess that I went to see this movie primarily to watch Helen Mirren, who may well be the greatest actress alive. However, I was surprised (and delighted) to find the film itself is both riveting and very entertaining.

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10

ChrisBNov 29, 2006

Wow! I did not anticipate the power of this movie. Helen Mirren was incredible, but the overall impact was also stunninmg. One of the best movies of the decade.

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10

KimV.Dec 16, 2006

This movie is brilliant. Helen Mirren - well, words fail. Intelligent, thoughtful people the world over will love it. Obtuse and dull people will not enjoy it. The point is as much about the shift in values from the time of the "greatest This movie is brilliant. Helen Mirren - well, words fail. Intelligent, thoughtful people the world over will love it. Obtuse and dull people will not enjoy it. The point is as much about the shift in values from the time of the "greatest generation" of which ER is a member, to the Oprah generation in which we are all now living. Stephen Frears is a genius.… Expand

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8

MichaelW.Dec 17, 2006

Stephen Frears does not seem to make a bad movie. Solid, interesting, has plenty of meat on its bones. Gross caricatures of Philip and Charles, but still a quality job far more memorable than most pictures.

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1

JoeZ.Dec 18, 2006

This movie is overrated. I think the critics we're all high when they saw this thing. The story goes nowhere, and the acting is fine, but no performances truly stand out from the pack. Wait for the DVD.

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10

JudyL.Dec 21, 2006

An excellent film - Helen Mirren and Michael Sheen are both tremendous as the Queen and Tony Blair, respectively. The supporting cast is also outstanding, including the film clips of Princess Diana. If you like violence and car chases and An excellent film - Helen Mirren and Michael Sheen are both tremendous as the Queen and Tony Blair, respectively. The supporting cast is also outstanding, including the film clips of Princess Diana. If you like violence and car chases and the other crap that drives movie production these days, you won't enjoy it, but if you like acting and character development, this film is for you.… Expand

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7

ERG1008Sep 13, 2010

Events based on the aftermath of the death of Diana:Princess of Wales.
Great performances from Helen Mirren, the wonderful Michael Sheen & Mark Bazeley as Alastair Campbell.
Moves along at a decent pace & enjoyed it more than I expected. TheEvents based on the aftermath of the death of Diana:Princess of Wales.
Great performances from Helen Mirren, the wonderful Michael Sheen & Mark Bazeley as Alastair Campbell.
Moves along at a decent pace & enjoyed it more than I expected.
The one thing they did get wrong is that Cherie Blair is quite sexy in it.… Expand

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9

ryancarroll88Aug 27, 2010

Helen Mirren and James Cromwell bring flooring humanity to their respective roles as Queen Elizabeth II and Tony Blair. It also helps that the dialogue (to me the main draw of the movie aside from the acting) straddles a perfect line betweenHelen Mirren and James Cromwell bring flooring humanity to their respective roles as Queen Elizabeth II and Tony Blair. It also helps that the dialogue (to me the main draw of the movie aside from the acting) straddles a perfect line between dry wit and earnest fervor.… Expand

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9

asthobaskoroApr 30, 2011

Mesmerizing potrait. Beautifully filmed, great script and charismatic performance by its two leads, Hellen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II and electrifying Michael Seen as Tony Blair.

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6

jimmytancrediMay 29, 2011

Indeed, the film is almost all of Helen Mirren, perfect in the role of Queen Elizabeth II. The rest stays average. A story already known to the general public, because it is based on real facts well documented at the time. Personally, IIndeed, the film is almost all of Helen Mirren, perfect in the role of Queen Elizabeth II. The rest stays average. A story already known to the general public, because it is based on real facts well documented at the time. Personally, I really like the director Stephen Frears, but this is not one of his best work. It is worth it to know all about the personality of one of the most famous monarchs of the past decades, sovereign facade of the English monarchy. It really is an odd figure, compassionate through a poor animal slaughtered during a game, but unable to surrender to the greater popularity of the charismatic Princess Diana, all because of the vanity of the royal family, whose still didn't realize that their time changed.… Expand

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6

JasonGApr 26, 2011

A very well crafted film that attempts to humanise those that the public see very little human emotion from - The Royal Family. The film is not a rebuttal from those that support the Royal family because they had already regained the faith ofA very well crafted film that attempts to humanise those that the public see very little human emotion from - The Royal Family. The film is not a rebuttal from those that support the Royal family because they had already regained the faith of the public by the time of it's 2006 release. It is instead a touching, sensible and sometimes humorous account of what went on behind the scenes during one memorable week. Another point of note is that the popularity of the main protagonist of this film in Blair was on a slide in 2006, marking the relevant public shallowness for their powerful public action figures. The film itself is very well made, with the acting as exquisite as the Royal decor. It paces itself nicely and doesn't run as long as a film with a title as 'The Queen' could have - a credit due to the filmmakers here. By keeping The Queen to just over an hour and a half, Frears and Morgan have saved it from becoming bland and boring - two terms that on this occasion can be separate from the Royal family.… Expand

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8

eTurkeyJan 27, 2012

Dame Helen Mirren is simply amazing in her portrayal of Queen of England and Commonwealth of Nations, Elizabeth II in the film, "The Queen". This movie begins with the aftermath of the death of Princess Diana in 1997 and details her majesty'sDame Helen Mirren is simply amazing in her portrayal of Queen of England and Commonwealth of Nations, Elizabeth II in the film, "The Queen". This movie begins with the aftermath of the death of Princess Diana in 1997 and details her majesty's relationship with the current Prime Minister Tony Blair as they both attempt to make sense of angry public sentiment concerning the popular Princess. Although this flick is not quite as good as another recent British royalty feature, "The Kings Speech", it still is quite entertaining.… Expand

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4

csw12Jul 7, 2013

The movie's shallow depth, uninteresting story and frankly bad editing make for a dull and downright boring film. Helen Mirren's performance was solid but nothing to jump up and down about.

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9

Trev29Sep 2, 2012

This is an intelligent film. Helen Mirren really took you inside the thoughts and emotions of the queen. Very well made and was quite a history lesson. Intriguing to see everyone's sides to the story.

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9

joomjim4Jun 18, 2012

The great Helen Mirren is certainly the star of this exceptional biography cinematic film. It portrays reverent image of Queen Elizabeth through such irreverently elegant gimmicks and it is this intelligent usage that makes the movie highlyThe great Helen Mirren is certainly the star of this exceptional biography cinematic film. It portrays reverent image of Queen Elizabeth through such irreverently elegant gimmicks and it is this intelligent usage that makes the movie highly distinctive compared to other royal family films. Regarding this strength, The Queen also considered as a powerful one. It allows us to espy the total opposite side of what the English people think of Queen Elizabeth, the old-tradition lady with classic dignity and duties ahead of herself. Not many times that I've seen a great British film and this masterpiece from Stephen Frears is,without a doubt, considered to be one of those. One of The Savviest Films.… Expand

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7

SpangleAug 11, 2016

The Queen is a very well manicured film that may to rise to the level of its technical elements, but is still a solid look at QEII and the early days of Tony Blair after Diana's death. The score from Alexandre Desplat takes centerstage and isThe Queen is a very well manicured film that may to rise to the level of its technical elements, but is still a solid look at QEII and the early days of Tony Blair after Diana's death. The score from Alexandre Desplat takes centerstage and is a truly rapturous and gorgeous score that really sweeps you up into a world of regality. The cinematography is also brilliant, especially the big aerial shots flying over the countryside that are breathtakingly well executed. Helen Mirren is very, very good here in this stoic and reserved role as Queen Elizabeth. Michael Sheen is also very good as Tony Blair. In terms of story, The Queen falters a tad. Though it is well told, it does drag in spots and really never becomes truly engaging. Fortunately, it does a great job creating sympathy for the Queen, even if we think sh is wrong. Instead, we understand her and come to understand her even more as the film progresses. Though, as I said, the film does slack a bit in the middle and can be a bit stiff. On the whole, The Queen is a brilliantly executed film in production and technical elements, but its plot is not nearly as solid.… Expand

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6

axelkochOct 8, 2012

Helen Mirren's performance is amazing, but you can expect that if she wins an Oscar for it. The rest of the movie is still nice, but just nothing against her acting. Tony Blair is shown excessively kind and the royal family is also overacted.Helen Mirren's performance is amazing, but you can expect that if she wins an Oscar for it. The rest of the movie is still nice, but just nothing against her acting. Tony Blair is shown excessively kind and the royal family is also overacted. Still it's a sophisticated history story, but you are also not missing that much, if you ignore this film (except Mirren's brilliant performance, keep that in mind!)… Expand

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8

worleyjamersJun 2, 2013

A great modern period piece featuring a virtuoso performance from Helen Mirren. I think I would have liked it even more if I were from the UK, but really good film nonetheless.

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7

smuroseAug 13, 2020

This movie was good but I would have liked to seen more explanation of what was going on in her head rather than just all those disapproving facial expressions, leaving it up for interpretation as to what she was feeling.

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7

amheretojudgeJun 1, 2018

reigns bold and uneasy..

The Queen The conversations are bang on accurate and so are the behaviour and the environment offered to the set which is rich and clean visually (for obvious reasons) that endorses its stunning production, costumereigns bold and uneasy..

The Queen

The conversations are bang on accurate and so are the behaviour and the environment offered to the set which is rich and clean visually (for obvious reasons) that endorses its stunning production, costume and make-up design. The writing is witty as the stakes projected are bigger and not bigger at the same time, finding the perfect balance of necessity and priority where the makers doesn't spend their time on creating something colossal and instead goes deep and detailed within the boundaries allotted. Peter Morgan has done a terrific work on writing this justifying script that is supported decently by Stephen Frears whose brilliant execution skills helps it sail off easily along with the perfect editing. The feature scores majestically on performance where Helen Mirren is doing some of the best work of her career and is supported well by Michael Sheen. Having said that, the writing is a bit overcooked and unfortunately isn't as convoluted as the makers think. The feature has gripping screenplay, stellar performance and excellent execution on its side but lacks the connection with the audience somehow. The Queen reigns bold and uneasy if not almighty, and the primary reason would be the well thought-out structure of it that is unique and unfamiliar to the audience.… Expand

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9

FilipeNetoFeb 23, 2018

This film deals with a character still alive and contemporary for us all: Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, one of the oldest monarchs in recent history and one of the most influential figures in the world. In this film, she faces theThis film deals with a character still alive and contemporary for us all: Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, one of the oldest monarchs in recent history and one of the most influential figures in the world. In this film, she faces the dramatic days following the death of Princess Diana. Directed by Stephen Frears, the film has script by Peter Morgan and has Helen Mirren in the title role.

Princess Diana was, as long as she lived, one of the most powerful and influential figures of European royalty, helping to popularize and modernize the monarchy the same way that, decades earlier, Grace Kelly did. Even today, there are people with very different views of Diana. Some people idolized her, other despised her and didn't like the way that, allegedly, she manipulated yellow press. Ironically, even her death is subject of debate and doubts. However, most people agreed about the antipathy between herself and the Queen, her mother-in- law. The film deals with the difficulties of the monarch to react to the death of a woman she inwardly abhorred, and the danger that unpopularity represents today to the old monarchical gears.

Helen Mirren surprised at the role of the British sovereign. She turned on her, gave her body, soul and life of an absolutely brilliant way, worthy of the Oscar for Best Leading Actress she won. She managed to give the public the image of a woman torn between what to do and to show, and what she really feels and wants. A woman educated to rule and not show weakness, keeping her composure under any circumstances and following the protocol, even when people demanded it to be broken. The film even shows one of the lesser known truths of this monarch, which is that of knowing how to drive, thanks to the period she spent as British Army auto mechanics. Michael Sheen also shone, in the role of Tony Blair, a smart prime minister who quickly realized what the Queen was slow to understand: that the will of the people was overlapping the state protocol.

The makeup and costume work was at the highest level. The scenarios also helped to set up the characters and show the everyday life of British royalty, without falling into the cliché of the luxurious and impersonal rooms, usually found in royal palaces. The photograph fulfills its role with intelligence and the soundtrack, by Alexandre Desplat, is excellent and fits perfectly to the film.… Expand

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7

All_ButTrU4Sep 5, 2022

Helen Mirren is a fearsome force as tge cold icy reigning Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth. This is more than a performance, she embodies the monarch in an uncanny way it feels as if you're witnessing a biography. That said tge film is aHelen Mirren is a fearsome force as tge cold icy reigning Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth. This is more than a performance, she embodies the monarch in an uncanny way it feels as if you're witnessing a biography. That said tge film is a well made ,curt retelling of the turmoil experienced by great Britain following princess Diana's death. It unravels from the moment of tragedy, showing the warring agendas and differing opinions within the royal house. And shows exactly how the monarchy silence nearly manufactured it's own downfall. It's impressive in accuracy, pacing and script but didn't really interest me in any way beyond the leads defining performance. A reminder now that she has died of exactly who the queen truly was. Her emotionless apathy in the pursuit of power that captivated millions for nearly 70years.… Expand

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7

DawdlingPoetNov 24, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a drama based around a true story, with some (if but occassional) dark comedy present and themes of power, acceptance and family rivalry. I felt it was very watchable and surprisingly engrossing, although one or two of the characters I felt didn't especially look like their real life counterparts. I thought the story was well handled, given how upsetting a time it genuinely was for many people - it could be surprisingly easy to offend people by doing a basic slap-dash style version but I did tend to feel that the script was quite well thought out, so this wasn't entirely the case.

I've never been particularly interested in the Royals as such but I was interested to see this, in terms of the script and the performances/character development, particularly to see how the Queen was depicted on an emotional level. I suppose this is something which is up for debate, in that only the queen herself (and perhaps close friends) would know precisely how she felt and why what was regarded as the ill-thought-out blunders took place. It was definitely an important cultural time, when the Royals realised quite how the majority of the British population felt and cared for Diana. It made me think - I'd say it is a thought provoking film, to an extent. I thought there was some darkly comic dialogue present - body language spoke volumes, I think its fair to say and I couldn't help but giggle from time to time when some of the Royal Family are shown trying to change the subject and talk about fairly random things utterly unconnected to the upcoming funeral. Suffice to say, it becomes crystal clear that the Royals (apparently) had little idea of the sheer impact felt across the UK, following Dianas death. I'm not sure if I'd say its entirely due to ignorance, judging by the film alone, although I perhaps wouldn't be much of a judge of such a thing anyway. I noticed on some scenes, featuring the queen in the countryside surrounding Balmoral, there were some impressive ariel shots used which shows the surrounding landscape from panoramic angles. In general the camerawork was quite good in depicting the various characters surroundings.

I appreciated the use of fairly subdued music during this film - there is mainly classical, orchestral music played in the background, which blends in well with the general tone of the film, adding to a sombre sense, feelings of remorse and of the whole history and tradition of the Royal family. Thankfully it wasn't used excessively so as to get in the way, as can happen.

Content wise, this film contains one use of strong language and some potentially offensive (or perhaps the more accurate term would be derrogatory) terms when characters read out the press' response to the royals lack of public acknowledgement and reaction to Dianas death. There is no real violence as such and the only potential sex or nudity references at all would be some of the paparazzi photos from tabloid newspapers which are shown during the film. The film carries a 12 rating, due to the brief use of strong language near the start of the film (its in the first 5 to 10 minutes I think).

If I had to criticise it for anything other than some of the cast, then I'd say that there perhaps could have been a bit more time spent on showing the Royals prior to Dianas death. It surprised me quite how quickly Dianas passing was announced and although its the key plot and the film is probably long enough at about 1 hour and 40 minutes long, I still felt like the plot seemed a little rushed towards the start. I'm not sure how this could be improved, without there being complaints of it being too 'padded' and too long drawn out, yet I definitely felt like it was slightly rushed at the start, although not so for the rest of the film.

Overall, I felt this film was well thought out, in terms of the script and the cast. I felt it was surprisingly engrossing and I enjoyed watching it.

I would recommend this film, as I felt it was well thought out, with some good dialogue, particularly good characterisation, a decent cast and some good camerawork. Some of the cast aren't quite as believable in their roles as others but overall I found it to be an engrossing film, which I thought was well made and so I recommend it on that basis.… Expand

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10

NapoleonbonOct 29, 2019

The Queen is a powerful historical drama that beautifully demonstrates the power of friendship through an outstanding performance by Helen Mirren. She definitely deserved her win for Best Actress.

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The Queen

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