Royal movies to watch for Queen's birthday
Despite her official birthday being back in April, Aussies are throwing a belated celebration for Queen Elizabeth II's big day in the form of a long weekend. And with the cold weather settling in, there's never been a better time to stay on the couch and indulge your inner movie junkie by renting some quality royal films.
THE KING'S SPEECH
While not specifially featuring Queen Elizabeth II, this brilliant film tells the story of a young King George VI -- her father. George, portrayed perfectly by Colin Firth, is forced to assume the throne after his brother, Edward, suddenly abdicates.
However, George was considered unfit to rule and cursed with a nervous stammer, forcing the unprepared monarch to turn to a slightly unorthodox speech therapist (Geoffrey Rush) to prepare him for the life-changing role ahead.
THE QUEEN
When news of the death of Princess Diana, undoubtedly the most famous woman in the world, breaks upon a shocked and disbelieving British public, HRH Queen Elizabeth II (Helen Mirren) retreats behind the walls of Balmoral Castle with her family, unable to comprehend the public response to the tragedy. For Tony Blair (Michael Sheen), the popular and newly elected Prime Minister, the people's need for reassurance and support from their leaders is palpable. As the unprecedented outpouring of emotion grows even stronger, Blair must find a way to reconnect The Queen with the British public.
ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE
Set in the 16th Cenurty, the Golden Age finds Queen Elizabeth I facing bloodlust for her throne and familial betrayal. Growing keenly aware of Europe's changing religious and political tides, Elizabeth (played by Australia's Cate Blanchett) finds her rule openly challenged by the Spanish King Philip II.
Phillip's determination to restore England to Catholicism sees him obtaining a powerful army and sea-dominating armada, forcing Elizabeth to up her game. And fast.
Watch Elizabeth: The Golden Age on BigPond Movies.
EXCALIBUR
The epic tale of King Arthur roars to life in this story of Arthur's rise to power, the Knights of the Round Table, Merlin the Magician, the golden age of Camelot and the search for the Holy Grail.
And as if the all-star cast isn't enough, which includes Liam Neeson and Helen Mirren, the film's incredible Oscar-winning cinematography is one worth watching this weekend with your loved ones.
THE PRINCE AND ME
Paige (Julia Stiles) is on the fast track to creating the life she's always wanted. What she never counted on was meeting Eddie, a disarming stranger who happens to also be the Crown Prince of Denmark. They come from two different worlds but there's an undeniable attraction and Paige must choose between staying with her Prince or following her own aspirations. Can she find a way to have it all? There's only one way to find out.
Feel like making tonight a movie night? Check out BigPond Movies to watch all the latest released films and TV shows from your own home.