Queen Marie of Romania

I can't comment on the historical accuracy so this review is just about the film as a period drama. I found it a bit slow for my tastes. The characters were dull and boring. Any actionable drama seemed forced and somewhat out of character for the characters. I'm guessing the writers and producers wanted it that way and maybe it is historically accurate but the pacing and dialog practically put me to sleep. Sorry this was only watchable, a 6 for me.

As a historical film enthusiast, I was intrigued by Queen Marie of Romania. This film is based on true events that occurred in Romania following the First World War. The film gives us an insight into a particular controversial event in history involving Queen Marie, who is also descended from British Royalty as she is Queen Victoria's granddaughter.

Roxana Lupu stands out in her starring role as Queen Marie as she gives an impeccable performance in her depiction of this regal character. Not only does she beautifully portray a gentle essence in Queen Marie, she is also able to organically couple this with the strong determination the Queen emanates when she is faced with patriarchal and political opposition. One cannot help but root for this character.

The great performance from the cast is complimented by an authentic looking setting and period costumes. I was drawn into this historical world and witnessed a significant Romanian event that not many outside of Romania are aware had existed.

The film is predominantly in English and Romanian dialogue with respective subtitles for both. I found that the Romanian dialogue and the European accents of the English speaking actors made the piece very convincing.

Once exposed to this Romanian narrative, I was eager to know more about Queen Marie and found myself googling more information on her place in history. You probably will to.

I just love how she speaks perfect english and perfect romanian in the same time, and knows how to perfectly pronounce every name respective to their proper way, in both languages. You can hardly ever hear a person who speaks perfect english, that also can speak perfectly in any other language not just in this day and age, but ever.

Aside from that, which for me was the point of attraction nr. 1 to this quite cool version of The Queen Marie of Romania, in the 2nd part of the movie the delicious confrontations which were in quick succession with Great Britain's prime minister who was just stalling and America's President who honestly seemed he couldn't care less were a stunt that this movie pulled off. Those 2 scenes where she had enough with loitering and bickering and went straight to the point like an arrow, rearranging Great Britain and America's highest official's thought patterns a little more scrupulously towards Romania, were a delight. "Leave politics to the politicians!" is like saying "Leave justice in the hands of police!", and whatnot other miss concepts! No, one should do whatever he can to improve the livelihood of the people he cares about, and that's everyone's job.

The acting is not always to notch but The Queen delivers and through her presence, the rest of the cast seemed a level better than they actually were. Not brilliant, nor dull, an 8 out of 10 well deserved for this movie.

The opening in Timisoara/Romania, drew a big crowd as a sign of great interest for this piece of art. Really nice locations were recollecting the atmosphere of 1900's beginning, the costumes were perfect, the use of alternate English/Romanian subtitles gave a complete experience to us, and the sound was very clear and musical. This movie came out at the right moment because Queen Marie remainings were brought back to Romanian soil recently.

A great movie about a subject I knew nothing about, beautifully made with good cast, great costumes and sets. I would have liked to have delved deeper into the Greater Romania thing. I know that present days Romania has chunks of what Hungary calls its own and Moldova the same. It didn't show how the monarchy's of Central Europe after WWI where doomed by their own weakness. In the movie its mentioned that the Royal Family of Romania are German Princess given the job because had nothing to do after the unification of Germany in 1871. But back to the movie, really the only ones who seem to be able to tell these stories in modern cinema are the European co-productions. They have a feel and of course the wonderful locations are no harm. the lovely scene near the end between Ferdinand and Marie at the castle was just gorgeous and ended the movies in a lovely way.