“Margaret”, 2008
Director: Kenneth Lonergan
A television film that charts the political career and the personal turmoil of Margaret Thatcher. It focuses more on the period leading up to her resignation as Prime Minister. Lindsay Duncan plays Thatcher, bringing to life the complexities of her character during her final days in office.
Starring: Anna Paquin, J. Smith-Cameron, Jean Reno, Jeannie Berlin, Allison Janney, Matthew Broderick, Mark Ruffalo, Matt Damon, Sarah Steele, John Gallagher Jr.;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 150 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,5;
More information about the film “Margaret” on the website imdb.com
“The Falklands Play”, 2002
Director: Michael Samuels
While not exclusively about Margaret Thatcher, this BBC television drama documents the British government's decision-making process leading up to the Falklands War, a key event during Thatcher's tenure. It captures Thatcher's role and leadership during the crisis.
Starring: Patricia Hodge, James Fox, John Standing, Michael Cochrane, Jeremy Child, Rupert Vansittart, Jonathan Coy, Clive Merrison, Peter Blythe, Jeremy Clyde;
Production year: 2002;
Genre: drama, war;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “The Falklands Play” on the website imdb.com
“Thatcher: The Final Days”, 1991
Director: Tim Sullivan
A television film that provides a dramatized account of Margaret Thatcher's last days as Prime Minister, highlighting the internal party conflict that led to her resignation.
Starring: Sylvia Syms, Bruce Alexander, Henry Ayrton, Christopher Benjamin, T.R. Bowen, Stephen Boxer, Tom Chadbon, Julian Curry, Paul Daneman, Edward de Souza;
Production year: 1991;
Genre: drama, history;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Thatcher: The Final Days” on the website imdb.com
These films and documentaries offer a range of perspectives on Margaret Thatcher's life, from her personal struggles and triumphs to her contentious policies and their lasting effects on the UK and beyond.
The cinematic portrayals of Margaret Thatcher, Britain's first female Prime Minister, offer a multifaceted glimpse into her turbulent and transformative era in British politics. Films such as “The Iron Lady,” with Meryl Streep's Academy Award-winning performance, dissect Thatcher's formidable personality and her complicated legacy, balancing personal sacrifices against her public persona and political achievements. Meanwhile, other cinematic pieces contextualize her leadership within the broader socio-political landscape of the 20th century, showcasing not only her role in reshaping the British economy and society but also her influence on the world stage. These films, by providing a blend of intimate portrayal and historical analysis, invite viewers to reflect on the complexities of power, the nuances of leadership, and the enduring impact of Thatcher's policies and ideology. Through their various lenses, they contribute to a deeper understanding of a leader who was as controversial as she was transformative, ensuring that the conversation around Margaret Thatcher and her legacy continues to evolve.
