The "queen of hearts" hits German theaters

Diana was close to the people, socially committed and known as the "queen of hearts." German director Oliver Hirschbiegel took on her story, almost 17 years after her tragic death in a car accident. The implementation of the film was a risky undertaking. After all, Lady Di's myth still inflames passions, especially in England, where the film has been poorly received by audiences and critics alike.

Hirschbiegel had his breakthrough with the movie "Downfall" about the last days of dictator Adolf Hitler. Now the director concentrates on Lady Di’s last two years. The movie starts where the magical life of the princess ended - after her divorce from Prince Charles, which resulted in Diana giving up her title. The drama illustrates Lady Di’s quest for a new task in her life.

The film is about Diana’s alleged relationship with heart surgeon Hasnat Khan. However, until now the London-based doctor from Pakistan (played by Naveen Andrews) has said almost nothing about the relationship. He also refused to talk to journalist Kate Snell, who wrote the book “Diana - her last love,” which the movie is based on.

In an interview with a British newspaper, Khan criticized that the book was only based on "Diana's friend's gossip." He said he definitely does not intend to see the film.

The humanitarian commitment of the princess plays a role in the movie, but is overshadowed by the alleged love affair. This was director Hirschbiegel’s intention. "Even if you took both names out, it would still be a beautiful love story," he said. Main actress Naomi Watts agreed: "The story had to be told eventually."

Casting Australian Naomi Watts for the lead role caused controversy, as there is little resemblance between the two women, according to critics. But Watts was highly praised at the premiere. A German newspaper wrote that it is notable how the 44-year-old actress truly took up the role. "I was fascinated by the task," Watts said.

Sixteen years after Diana's death, the first major film about Lady Di premiered in September 2013 in London. Naomi Watts was the radiant center of attention that evening. Apart from her there were hardly any stars present at the premiere. Members of the royal family could also not be spotted. They had already refused to comment on the film before the release.

Reactions to the film in Great Britain were devastating. "Embarrassing, atrocious, intrusive," deplored 'The Times.' "Lady Di has died a second time with this film," 'The Guardian' wrote. Only Watts' authentic depiction of the princess of Wales was praised. In North America the film flopped as well. On the first weekend it only grossed 47,000 euros ($64,000).

An objective judgment of the film is hardly possible in Diana’s home country, where she is still admired as the "queen of hearts." According to Hirschbiegel, Diana is "a national trauma" for England. At the premiere in London the director even asked the audience to watch the movie without prejudices and prefabricated opinions - a wish that wasn’t fulfilled, at least not in Great Britain.

Director Oliver Hirschbiegel saw not being British as an advantage. "As a German I am not really a part of what happens in this country," he said. This contributed to his feeling that he could make the film in the most authentic, honest and true way possible.

At the German premiere in Munich on December 3, the movie received enthusiastic acclaim. Both critics and the audience said the film managed to portray the enormous ambivalence of the princess’ personality. Now the wider German audience can form its own opinion.