The Iron Lady – a Greek Tragedy

Some have criticised this film because of an “undue focus” of the Thatcher years through her latter life dementia. I thought it aptly portrayed how ardent idealism (whether it be on the conservative or revolutionary side of politics) can alienate ourselves not only from those closest to us, but ultimately from ourselves. It cast a highly personal light on the political touchpoints of the Thatcher rule – the mine closures, general strikes, IRA bombings, the Falkland Islands, the Reagan connection and the end of the Cold War. Regardless of whether Margaret Thatcher engaged or enraged you, the screenplay and brilliant characterisation by Meryl Streep made it difficult not to empathise with elderly private citizen Dame Margaret Thatcher coming to terms with her personal losses, while at the same time pondering the legacy of her political reign. Born into a grocer’s family, she wanted to make a difference, to show that anyone can make the changes they see as important through hard work and no compromise. Absolute principles ruled the day even at the cost of relationship. There are poignant moments in the screenplay where this is made abundantly clear, but why would I spoil the movie if you are yet to see it?