The Iron Lady parents guide

The Iron Lady Parent Guide

This non-biographical perspective diminishes the film's usefulness as a study of Margaret Thatcher's political career, but it does offer something else -- perhaps something even more important.

Overall A-

Powerhouse actress Meryl Streep takes on the challenge of reinventing herself as another formidable woman -- Margaret Thatcher, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. This biographical drama looks at what it takes to earn a name like The Iron Lady.

Release date January 13, 2012

Violence D+
Sexual Content B+
Profanity B-
Substance Use C-

Why is The Iron Lady rated PG-13? The MPAA rated The Iron Lady PG-13 for some violent images and brief nudity.

Run Time: 105 minutes

Official Movie Site

Parent Movie Review

What would you do if you had the power to enact laws to change your country, carry out your vision of what would make the world a better place, take part in global decisions and leave your mark on history? Now imagine all that is said and done. What would you do for an encore?

In this dramatization of the life of Margaret Thatcher, such is the position in which the former Prime Minister of Great Britain finds herself. Retired from shaping economic reform and commanding armies and navies, the woman who was once dubbed “The Iron Lady” by some frustrated Russian politicians, is now a little soft in the head. No longer in charge of running a nation, she struggles to independently manage her life. Shifting between the past and the present, the once steely stateswoman (played by Meryl Streep) tries to sort out the meaning of her contribution to society.

If you are expecting parliamentary debates and/or depictions of the varied reactions to this controversial leader, The Iron Lady may be a bit of a surprise. Because these things are not the focus of the film, the production summarizes these aspects of her life using actual newsreel footage. Thanks to this inclusion, viewers will witness (or re-witness) many graphic scenes captured during her tenure. While some re-enactments are mixed in, most of what is shown is real, and therefore more disturbing. Expect to see battles between the police and angry strikers/rioters, IRA bombings that result in fires, property damage, injuries and loss of life, as well as bloodied and dead soldiers shown during the Falkland Islands conflict. There is also a brief shot of some topless females celebrating the end of the war.

Instead of following a chronology of these events, the script delves into the reminiscing of a wandering mind that finally has time to ask about spent or misspent opportunities, the proper or improper placement of priorities and whether or not achievements should be celebrated or regretted. Her husband Dennis (Jim Broadbent) and twin children (one played by Olivia Colman) are featured largely in her thoughts.

This non-biographical perspective diminishes the picture’s usefulness as a study of Lady Margaret Thatcher’s political career, but it does offer the audience something else—perhaps something even more important. While few others may be considered one of the 20th century’s most influential women, questioning the purpose of life is universal to the human experience (for both genders). And watching the reflections of this doddering character will likely have you contemplating your own life choices by the time the credits roll.

Directed by Phyllida Lloyd. Starring Meryl Streep, Jim Broadbent, Richard E. Grant. Running time: 105 minutes. Theatrical release January 13, 2012. Updated

The Iron Lady
Rating & Content Info

Why is The Iron Lady rated PG-13? The Iron Lady is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for some violent images and brief nudity.

Violence: Newsreel footage included in the movie shows violent clashes between angry citizens and the police, graphic pictures of people who are dead and/or wounded, and the corpses of horses killed by an explosion. Characters narrowly escape injury when a hotel is bombed. Strikers and demonstrators mob political leaders. A car bomb kills a man. A family hides under a table during a bombing raid.

Sexual Content: Newsreel footage briefly shows a couple of topless women. A seamstress adjusts the bodice of a woman’s evening gown (some cleavage is shown). Men using urinals are seen from behind.

Language: The script includes frequent mild expletives and infrequent moderate profanity.

Alcohol / Drug Use: Characters drink alcohol frequently, both in social settings and privately. Some smoking is shown. A woman is accused of drinking too much.

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The Iron Lady Parents' Guide

Learn more about the real Margret Thatcher here: http://www.margaretthatcher.org/essential/biography.asp

In the movie, Meryl Streep becomes the iconic Margaret Thatcher. How effective are the make-up artists at creating this effect? Does the mimicking of voice and body movements make the impersonation more convincing? How hard do you think it would be to take on this type of acting challenge?

According to the script, what drives Margaret Thatcher to pursue such a hard line throughout her political career? What effect does that have on her colleagues? How does it impact her family? How do her actions influence the way they respond to her?

What kinds of things does Margaret Thatcher consider important? How does she feel about the traditional role of women, especially as it was viewed during the 1950s when she first ran for office? Do you think her feelings have changed any by the time she retires?

What do you think are the most significant contributions you could make to society? At the end of your life, what things will you want to be remembered for?

Home Video

The most recent home video release of The Iron Lady movie is April 10, 2012. Here are some details…

Home Video Notes: The Iron Lady

Release Date: 10 April 2012

The Iron Lady releases to home video with the following extras:

- Feature film in Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy

- The Making of The Iron Lady

- Recreating the Young Margaret Thatcher

- Battle in the House of Commons

- Costume Design: Pearls and Power Suits

- Denis: The Man Behind the Woman

Related home video titles:

Meryl Streep transformed herself into Julia Child in Julie & Julia. Other actors have taken on the challenge of portraying well-known political leaders: See Helen Mirren in The Queen (watch also as Michael Sheen becomes Prime Minister Tony Blair), Frank Langella as the disgraced America President in Frost/Nixon (Michael Sheen stars in this one too, as journalist David Frost), and Collin Firth as the stuttering royal in The King’s Speech.

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