The Iron Lady (2011)

The critic calls the film compelling viewing but faults its treatment of Thatcher’s political legacy and dementia. Meryl Streep’s performance is singled out as brilliant and worth seeing the film for alone.

Rooney finds the film thoughtful and emotionally engaging, though its political portrait is too soft-focus and deferential. He especially praises Streep’s meticulously detailed, moving performance as the aging Thatcher.

Edelstein finds the film shallow but satisfying, with its politics carefully held at arm’s length. He especially praises Meryl Streep’s mimicry for conveying Thatcher’s inner life and the tenderness of her scenes with Denis.

The page identifies this as a review, but the review text is hidden behind a paywall. Its verdict and any specific praise or complaint cannot be determined.

The critic finds the film fascinating but uneven, with Meryl Streep’s performance making it unmissable despite clumsy filmmaking. Streep’s fierce, brilliantly overacted mimicry is singled out for praise, while the film’s cluttered biopic devices draw complaint.

The review finds the film’s attempt to sidestep Thatcher’s politics weakens it, leaving a myth-enshrining portrait. It praises Meryl Streep’s remarkably convincing performance, while faulting the sidelining of Jim Broadbent and the underdeveloped relationship between their characters.

Sharkey finds the film affecting but not always satisfying, with its portrait of Thatcher’s later life overshadowing her political career. She praises Meryl Streep’s perceptive portrayal of Thatcher’s aging and emotional complexity.

Johnston gives the film a measured three-out-of-five assessment. The available description singles out the challenge of casting an actress who can match Thatcher’s stature.

The review finds the biopic stylish and witty but breathless and uneven. It singles out Meryl Streep’s performance as an uncanny, brilliantly detailed recreation of Thatcher.

Robinson finds the film disappointing as history but intermittently effective as personal drama. She praises Meryl Streep’s dignified performance and says the fictionalized present-day scenes carry the strongest emotion.

The review is mixed, finding the film less compelling than its subject. It singles out Meryl Streep’s performance for praise.

The two-star verdict suggests the film falls short of its potential. Collins praises Meryl Streep’s performance and Jim Broadbent’s support, while noting the story might have made a fascinating chamber piece.

Rocchi pans the film as a tone-deaf, shabby biopic that reduces Thatcher’s life to clichés and clumsy devices. He singles out Streep’s meticulous imitation as impressive but hollow, while criticizing the framing device and rushed structure.

Bradshaw finds the film too benign and depoliticised, despite its flashes of political bite. He praises Meryl Streep’s technically brilliant, compelling portrayal, especially her depiction of Thatcher’s old age.

Felperin finds the biopic politically evasive and clunky, despite Streep’s compelling performance. She particularly praises Streep’s precise, evolving vocal portrayal of Thatcher.

The critic finds the biopic brutally misconceived despite Streep’s strong performance. They praise Streep’s eloquent, witty portrayal of Thatcher’s loss of power and fear of madness.

Ellingson praises the film as a moving portrait of an aging Margaret Thatcher, calling it ultimately a love story. She singles out Meryl Streep’s memorable performance, while criticizing the rushed treatment of Thatcher’s political career.

The review finds the film limited compared with its Shakespearean analogy, but ultimately effective in conveying aging and vulnerability. It especially praises Meryl Streep’s layered, humorous performance and her ability to make Thatcher feel human rather than caricatured.

Mellor finds the film an oddly toned, overly friendly and largely uncritical account of Thatcher’s years. She praises Meryl Streep’s uncanny, bravura impersonation, though its novelty soon fades.

Wilkinson finds the film a shallow, pedestrian account of Thatcher’s life despite its strong performances. She particularly criticizes its rushed treatment of major political events and its refusal to examine the politics.