Just wanted to tell you how much my family enjoyed "Her Majesty". We saw the film yesterday with another family, and all four kids were absolutely spellbound by it. The other mom I went with waxed absolutely rhapsodic over it (a very picky mom who is very concerned about what her kids see, too) Just wonderful!!

Lisa Dressler

Her Majesty was a beautifully written movie for which I was truly grateful for. I do hope that the manuscript to this movie is put into a book. My family and I, children included so enjoyed the movie that it helped me to remember, love and appreciate my culture even more so. Living in the US creates a tendency for me to sometimes forget the beautiful culture of which I was priviledged to be born to. My husband who’s American began to cry as the cameras panned over the beautiful landscape, reminding him of how it still is - untouched and beautiful! To the writer - thank you for taking such an interest in my culture to inspire you to write a story around the wonderful people of Aotearoa! Both Pakeha and Maori! All "Kiwis" are a unique and lovable people.

Please try your hardest to get an audience with Oprah. She needs to see this movie, and hopefully the "book" will become one of her choice books in her book club! If there is a way for the audience to see this movie, she is it! But until that happens, I know that all who were present at the Salt Lake City premiere will do all we can to get the word out for people to see this movie.

When the movie is released on VHS/DVD could you please inform us of that date. Thanks so much for a movie well written, with wonderful storyline, characters, and topics. It's a movie that needs to be seen and heard by all! Well done!!

The Gunderson Family
Clearfield Utah

IMDB user comments for Her Majesty

Kansas City, Missouri

Date: 1 May 2004

Summary: Family

It is seldom that I would tell my friends that there is a movie that they must see. For family entertainment this "is a must see". Thank you Mr. Gordon, as far as I'm concerned your 16 years of effort was worth it. You made this 45 year old Marine cry. Interwoven themes of bigotry, friendship, maturity, courage, family, culture, love and greed make for a movie that is refreshing and one that I would take the children to see again. The manipulative Mrs. Hobson and her friends reminded me of the cackling hens in "The Music Man". My older son cheered when Mr. Wakefield told Kupe to escort Mrs. Hobson out of their home.

Touching, timeless story; beautiful moviemaking; inspiring casting; gorgeous scenery; feel good ending...

You have to understand... Since I became a Mom, I go to one movie a year... at most. Usually that movie is one showing on a plane, so I have no choice.  This one makes my year.

Loved the movie. Can't wait to buy the Video or DVD when it comes out. It's a movie you want to own.

Ellen Ascher
Univision Radio

Great! Go see it, and take the kids!, 19 February 2005

Author: Roxanne Janson from United States

Excellent movie for kids and family. Perfect for ages 10 and up, but 7-year-old kids absolutely loved it, too. As my daughter said, "It was so good, I forgot to eat my candy!" I spoke to several of the children, teenagers and adults after the movie. They all thoroughly enjoyed it. I specifically asked the mothers of 7-year-old girls if they were glad they brought their young daughters to the movie even though it's PG, and they each enthusiastically said yes. "Good values" was a phrase I heard very often by the adults. "Every girl should see it", said another.
The main character works through issues such as basic right and wrong, friendship, bigotry, and family communication, and gives parents in the audience a wonderful opportunity to begin discussions on these topics

To Whom It May Concern:

I just wanted to express my excitement over Her Majesty the movie. My nine-year-old daughter and I had the wonderful experience of seeing your movie at the Marco Island Film Festival on Saturday, November 6th.  It was heartwarming, inspirational, and moving.  It was so nice to see a wholesome movie about overcoming adversity, morality, and life's hard lessons.  Imagine - a great movie with no sex, violence or special effects.  The writer/director and producer were there, and it was great to be able to speak to them, especially for the children in attendance.  They got to ask some really great questions.

I have recommended your movie to all my friends, and I wish you all the success in marketing your film.  It was wonderful!!

Sincerely,

Terri DiSciullo and daughter, Victoria

IMDB user comments for Her Majesty

Comment from a recent attendee in Scottsdale

Jeff Newman

Date: 6 May 2004

Summary: Great Movie for Family of all ages.

This movie worked on all levels. I was thoroughly and unexpectedly taken by it. The only reason I went was for a school fund raiser. Surprise! I loved it. It was easily the best movie I've seen all year.

I asked my two daughters, aged 6 and 10 what they thought. They both wanted to see it again and get the DVD when it comes out.

For those of you who have younger children, I don't think this movie deserved its PG rating. I felt a G rating would have been much more appropriate. I've seen G rated movies and tv shows with ten times the violence and sexual innuendoes.

There is a little implied violence and nothing more. There is no sexual innuendo, only the romantic little girl musings of an 11 yr old girl.

My only caution about kids is that a child under 5 might find the movie a little boring.

I very much appreciated a thoughtful, but not brutal look at bigotry, pride, and false pride. I thought that good life lessons were taught by the movie.

It's too bad that Hollywood can't put out more stuff like this. If you liked Bend It Like Beckam, you'll like this, but you can take younger children as well.

See it quickly. It deserves a long run, but it's an indie, so it may not get length of theater time it deserves.

This movie is a keeper.

From Phoenix Film Society sneak preview

THANKS so much for the screening of 'Her Majesty' tonight. I didn't know what to expect but the movie would have exceeded anything I came up with.  It was touching and wonderful.  And to top it all off we had a fantastic Q&A with the writer afterwards.

This movie was more enjoyable than many of the $100 million movies from Hollywood.  It is a fine example of what one person can accomplish, if he doesn't give up.  We have so little of that in today's world.  There must have been an amazing team that worked to produce the movie. I thank you and your team at Phoenix Film Festival for all your hard work and the screenings you offer us.

Please forward to anyone who was involved with tonight's movie.

Have a good day.

IMDB user comments for Her Majesty

Phoenix, AZ

Date: 13 May 2004

Summary: A great film for the whole family

I saw this movie last week with my 12 and 7 year-old-daughters. The story, characters and locations were all just wonderful. The film was endearing and carried a great moral, without being preachy. The comedy in the film works, the drama works, and neither is too much or too corny. The characters are well developed and the audience clearly identifies with the protagonist, 11-year-old Elizabeth. The crowd actually broke out in cheers when the mean older brother finally gets his - something I haven't experienced in a movie in years. I especially enjoyed seeing Vicky Haughton again after her fabulous performance in Whale Rider. I highly recommend this film for everyone...yes even men without kids. The screening was followed by a Q&A with writer/director Mark Gordon. He is traveling the country, screening the movie, and asked that we spread the word, which I am by posting this notice. I wouldn't bother doing this merely on the request of the filmmaker, but the movie spoke for itself. I made a mental note to post a great review as soon as the ending credits started.

I've been racking my brain trying to remember the movie this one reminded me and I finally thought of it. The movie is like a perfected version of "A Christmas Story". The comedy is similarly good, but the message this movie sends, and the quality of the filmmaking goes well beyond.

Anyway, take your kids and enjoy!

 

Bob Hughes, owner, KPRI-FM Radio, San Diego

Through the story of Elizabeth and her friendship with an old Maori woman with a tribal tattoo on her chin, we encounter the themes of discrimination, violence, and personal integrity.

Mark Gordon, his cast, and crew have managed to bring these essential issues to the screen in a way that works for kids and adults alike. My daughter said this was one of her favorite movies of all time.

Adults who like independent films will find this one to be in the same class as The Piano and Whale Rider. Filmed in New Zealand - it has the same production quality and cinematic passion that we all enjoyed in "Lord of The Rings." Really well done.

Sally Andrews is astonishing. This is her first time in front of a camera. If for nothing else, Mark Gordon will be remembered  as the director who had the good sense to give Sally her first movie role.

Good morning Mark

I attended your friday evening viewing and just want to congratulate you on your excellent work. The movie depicted the events of that era correctly but in a very subtle way. There was much I could relate to.  Good luck and thanks for  also promoting New Zealand. It was refreshing to hear so much enthusiasm from the theatre attendees after the show.

 

Linda Whitley

Mark,

Last Friday, we had the pleasure of attending "opening night" of Her Majesty in Scottsdale. 

We loved your movie, finding it a refreshing throwback, not only in the time and setting of the story, but in it's departure from the slick and superficial product that dominates theaters today.

Congratulations on 16 years of perseverance.  We've alerted friends across the country to be on the lookout.

Regards,

Jon & Doris Horn