The Iron Lady Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Meryl Streep puts on old lady makeup to argue with her dead husband while occasionally remembering being Prime Minister, and everyone yells about milk prices.

🍿 The Iron Lady: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Life and Ambition

The film opens with an elderly Margaret Thatcher grappling with dementia and the memories of her late husband, Denis. Woven through her present-day struggles are flashbacks to her early life as Margaret Roberts, a grocer’s daughter with aspirations far beyond her humble beginnings. She is inspired by her father’s political involvement and develops a strong work ethic and unwavering resolve. These formative years shape her ambition to enter the male-dominated world of British politics.

Entry into Politics

Margaret faces significant challenges as she tries to break into the Conservative Party. She encounters sexism and class prejudice, but she perseveres, eventually winning a seat in Parliament. Her relationship with Denis Thatcher blossoms, and he becomes a steadfast supporter of her ambitions. Despite societal expectations for women, Margaret is determined to pursue her career and make a difference. This section highlights her early political battles and her growing confidence as a leader.

Prime Minister and Controversial Policies

The film portrays key events from Thatcher’s time as Prime Minister, including the Falklands War, the miners’ strike, and the Brighton hotel bombing. Her controversial economic policies, known as Thatcherism, led to significant social and economic upheaval. The film shows both the supporters and detractors of her policies, highlighting the divisive nature of her leadership. Despite facing immense pressure and opposition, Thatcher remained steadfast in her beliefs and implemented her agenda with unwavering determination.

Challenges to Leadership and Resignation

As Thatcher’s tenure continues, the film depicts growing dissent within her own party. Disagreements over the poll tax and European integration lead to challenges to her leadership. Despite her initial resistance, Thatcher is ultimately forced to resign as Prime Minister. This section portrays the political maneuvering and betrayal that led to her downfall, as well as the emotional toll it took on her. The ending of her premiership is shown as a difficult and disheartening moment.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Margaret Thatcher (Meryl Streep): The ambitious and controversial first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, who reflects on her life and career while grappling with aging and the memory of her late husband.
• Denis Thatcher (Jim Broadbent): Margaret Thatcher’s supportive husband, who appears as a ghostly presence, offering counsel and companionship as she confronts her past and present.
• Michael Heseltine (Richard E. Grant): A prominent Conservative politician and rival to Margaret Thatcher, who challenges her leadership and contributes to her downfall.
• Carol Thatcher (Olivia Colman): Margaret Thatcher’s daughter, who provides support and care for her mother in her later years, navigating their often-strained relationship.
• Alfred Roberts (Iain Glen): Margaret Thatcher’s father, a grocer and local politician, who instilled in her the values of self-reliance and ambition.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Margaret Thatcher: “Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become your character. And watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.” – Margaret Thatcher recites a saying her father taught her, highlighting the importance of thoughts and their impact on one’s life.
• Margaret Thatcher: “I don’t want to die cleaning a teacup.” – Said to Denis when he proposes, emphasizing her ambition and desire to do more than be a housewife.
• Margaret Thatcher: “It used to be about trying to do something. Now it’s about trying to be someone.” – Reflecting on the changing nature of politics and the shift in focus from action to image.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $13M
• Domestic Gross: $30.02M
• Worldwide Gross: $115.89M

💥 The Iron Lady Reviews

Personal Review

I found ‘The Iron Lady’ to be a very emotional experience. Seeing Meryl Streep transform into Margaret Thatcher was incredible, especially the scenes portraying her in old age, dealing with memory loss and the absence of Denis. The film humanized a figure I only knew from newsreels, making me consider her life beyond politics, as a wife and a woman who had a goal in mind. While the pacing felt a bit off at times, the raw emotion Streep brought to the role will remain with me.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Meryl Streep”
  • “Those interested in British political history”
  • “Viewers who appreciate character-driven dramas”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Political themes”
  • “Depiction of dementia”
  • “Brief war violence”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “Streep’s performance is undeniably captivating, but the film meanders between Thatcher’s past and present, failing to provide a cohesive narrative or explore the true impact of her policies. It’s a portrait, not an explanation.
• Empire Magazine: “Meryl Streep delivers a powerhouse performance. The story struggles to find a balance, but she inhabits Thatcher so completely that it’s impossible to look away, even when the narrative falters.
• Rolling Stone: “The Iron Lady is a fascinating character study elevated by Streep’s masterful portrayal. Though the film’s structure is sometimes disjointed, it’s a compelling look at the sacrifices and triumphs of a controversial leader.

Audience Reactions

Meryl Streep’s performance is breathtaking and a true masterclass in acting.: Meryl Streep’s performance is the standout element.

The film does a great job of humanizing a divisive political figure.: Well made and compelling.

Overall Consensus: Meryl Streep’s powerful performance elevates a flawed biopic that struggles to balance Thatcher’s personal struggles with her political legacy.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Actress)- 2012
2. Academy Award (Best Makeup)- 2012
3. Golden Globe (Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama)- 2012
4. BAFTA Award (Best Actress in a Leading Role)- 2012

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Meryl Streep won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance as Margaret Thatcher.”
• “The film faced criticism for its depiction of Thatcher’s later years and its historical accuracy.”
• “The filmmakers used a combination of practical effects and makeup to transform Meryl Streep into the elderly Margaret Thatcher.”
• “The real Margaret Thatcher was a chemist before entering politics, involved in developing emulsifiers for ice cream.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Iron Lady?

The Iron Lady is available for streaming on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and through rental or purchase options on Google Play Movies & TV and Vudu. Check local listings for broadcast schedules.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Iron Lady, you might like these similar films:

• The Queen (2006): Both films offer a nuanced portrayal of a powerful female leader in Britain, navigating personal and public challenges.
• Lincoln (2012): Similar to ‘The Iron Lady,’ ‘Lincoln’ portrays a political leader during a critical period in history, focusing on their decision-making and leadership style.
• Jackie (2016): Explores the personal struggles and public image of another iconic female figure in history.

🛒 The Iron Lady Related Products

• Margaret Thatcher: The Autobiography: Gain firsthand insights into Margaret Thatcher’s life and political philosophy with her comprehensive autobiography. Discover the driving forces behind her decisions and leadership style in her own words.
• Spitting Image: The Complete Series DVD Box Set: Relive the satirical puppet show that lampooned Margaret Thatcher and her cabinet during her time in office. Get a humorous and critical perspective on the era.
• Funko Pop! Queen Elizabeth II: Get a Funko Pop of Queen Elizabeth II. While this isn’t a Margaret Thatcher specific product, she was a contemporary figure. These Funko Pops are great to display on your desk and would look good next to a Thatcher book!
• Falklands War 40th Anniversary 50p Coin: A commemorative coin marking the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War. A piece of history.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Iron Lady features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Shall We Dance” – performed by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II
• “Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 73 ‘Emperor’, 2nd movement” – performed by Ludwig van Beethoven

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Meryl Streep Wins Best Actress | 84th Oscars (2012)

Watch Meryl Streep’s iconic acceptance speech as she takes home the Oscar for her transformative performance as Margaret Thatcher. Her words are a testament to the power of cinema and the enduring legacy of this film.

Margaret Thatcher Off Camera – Pre-Interview Footage Reveals Another Side of the Iron Lady (1984)

Step behind the scenes and witness Margaret Thatcher’s candid moments before an interview. This fascinating footage sheds light on her off-camera persona and the strategies she employed to shape her public image.

Meryl Streep on playing Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady | Film4 Interview Special

Join Meryl Streep as she delves into the challenges and rewards of portraying Margaret Thatcher. Her insights offer a deeper appreciation for the artistry and dedication that went into this remarkable performance.

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