The best comment that I came across about "The Iron Lady" said something to the effect that everyone has a strong opinion about Margaret Thatcher except for the makers of the film. I tend to agree with that assessment. As has been remarked, the film pretty much ignored the historical story, and used a typical Hollywood formula   to tell the story of a character who was tough, determined, and ultimately triumphed against all odds. It was a bit vague about what the odds actually were, but that's entertainment...

The real Mrs. Thatcher, though able to manage both love and hate with equanimity, might have been uncomfortable with pity, which is all this film seems to ask for her.

I saw every film nominated for an Oscar this year; there were some great ones, but this was not one of them. Though I like Meryl Streep(at least sort of), her films tend to be about her acting. This was no exception. When she got the Oscar, she won out over the story.