Drama,Romance
United Kingdom
W.E. is a romantic drama film directed and co-written by Madonna, which tells the dual stories of the affair between King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson and a contemporary romance between a married woman and a Russian security guard.
Wally Winthrop, played by Abbie Cornish, is a married woman in 1998, who is infatuated with the love story of King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, as she struggles through her own unhappy marriage. Meanwhile, in flashbacks, the film explores the relationship between King Edward VIII, played by James D'Arcy, and Wallis Simpson, played by Andrea Riseborough.
As Wally becomes more deeply involved in the story of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, she discovers the sacrifices made by the couple, including the Duke's abdication from the throne, to be together. This inspires Wally to make some changes in her own life and leaves her determined to pursue happiness, even if it means breaking free from her own loveless marriage.
The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2011 and received mixed reviews, with some critics praising the performances and direction, while others found the plot confusing and overly indulgent. However, it did receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Costume Design and won the Best Original Song award at the 69th Golden Globe Awards for "Masterpiece", a song written and performed by Madonna.
