Mrs. Brown
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Movie Reviews of Mrs. Brown
Movie Review: A Strong Period Drama and Another Brilliant Characterization by Judi Dench
Summary: 5 Stars
MRS. BROWN as written by Jeremy Brock and directed by John Madden (Proof, Shakespeare in Love, Captain Corelli's Mandolin) is a sprightly, entertaining and engrossing study of a moment in the life of enigmatic Queen Victoria. Selecting an outstanding production crew and a fine cast this film succeeds on every level and once again proves to us that Judi Dench is one of the finest actresses on the stage or screen today.
The story revolves around the time when Queen Victoria's beloved husband Prince Albert dies resulting in a clinical depression in the queen. She leaves London with her entourage to grieve at Balmoral Castle. There her Scottish Highlander servant John Brown (Billy Connolly) nurses her back to normalcy but in the meanwhile sets up the appearance of an affair that scandalized the British Isles. Disraeli (Antony Sher) visits in an attempt to right the situation but it is Brown's strong personality - an equal match for the wise and wily Victoria - that alters the course of events that returns Queen Victoria to her proper station.
Dench and Connolly play so well off each other that their relationship has a wealth of charm, tenderness, bite, wit, and solidity. The supporting cast includes a fine turn by Gerard Butler as Archie Brown, John's supportive and playful brother. The costumes are superb and the cinematography by Richard Greatrex captures the atmosphere of the cloying indoor spaces as well as the freedom of the vast coastline vistas. Stephen Warbeck is responsible for the well-integrated musical score. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, January 06
Movie Review: Judi and Billy reign together
Summary: 5 Stars
I first saw this movie on British TV, and have since seen it in the States. I now have the DVD. Judi Dench IS Queen Victoria. Billy Connolly becomes John Brown as the movie progresses. You are absorbed into the increasingly interwined lives of these two powerful people. It's as though you are witnessing history through some kind of time machine, while you form opinions about their relationship. The Victorian notion of referring to a person quite separately from the role that person performs, to the extent of each referencing the other in the third person is superbly portrayed. One observation on the ending -- it is rather abrupt, as though the director looked at his watch and realised he was about to run out of time (money). That's a minor quibble. Why this story and the movie that tells it did not receive Oscars for Dame Judi and for Billy is a question that everybody always asks. Buy this movie and learn what the Victorian era was like. Distinguish between the telling of history and the story-telling by all means, but just enjoy it, whatever it is for you.Movie Review: Mrs. Brown
Summary: 5 Stars
Billy Conolly virtually fills the screen in a brilliant performance as Queen Victoria's (a flawless Dame Judi Dench) closest confidant and willing conduit to the outside world and public she has shunned since the death of her husband. Everytime he escorts her out for one of her morning rides and simply calls her 'woman', it's a moment of comedic joy, mild irritation and comfort that that is so nuanced and perfect that their relationship seems even deeper and tender than the story implies. The gist of the piece is that while the Queen finally begins to open up and feel alive again, naysayers and other royal advisors vehemently disapprove of her associating with a commoner and do everything in their power to put a stop to it. In the end, John Brown's devotion to her Majesty costs him his life, but the bond forged by these two individuals never dies."Mrs. Brown" is a stunning piece of work that is destined to become a classic. Exceptionally well done, in every aspect.
Movie Review: Her Majesty & Company never looked so good
Summary: 5 Stars
The irrepresible Dame Judi Dench was truly launched as an international star in this film. Her brooding, angry portrayal of Queen Victoria stands out today, an age when queens abound like bunnies. Of crucial importance to this film is the portrayal of John Brown by Billy Connolly, truly his greatest film work. He was robbed of an Oscar here, only because this is an Exon-Mobil television production. The ambience, almost creepy until one recalls it's HER era (Vioctorian), is enthralling; dark, misty, then sunny, first at the Isle of Wight then at Balmoral... one can truly smell and taste the film. The relationship of Queen Victoria with John Brown is true to life as far as historians can tell. That's not an easy thing, when one considers the usual fate of this type of production. One thing's for sure: the film gives Merchant-Ivory a run for its money, and Billy Connolly would never again attain the heights he reached here.Movie Review: Great Film
Summary: 5 Stars
I must admit I bought the movie because it co-stars Gerard Butler, but I was pleasantly surprised at what a great film it is. I did not know much about the actual history of the story, and I'm sure the producers took certain liberties with history, but the story presented in the movie is timeless.
Judy Dench does an outstanding job portraying Queen Victoria after the death of her beloved Prince Albert. To try to persuade her to come out of mourning and once again be in the public eye, her advisors ask a family friend, John Brown, to come and be a personal servant for the Queen. The story evolves into one of forbidden love. Mrs. Dench makes her character real, passionate, and powerful. Billy Connolly as well does an excellent job in his portrayal of a most loving and devoted friend.
Enjoy watching the georgeous Gerard Butler, but be prepared to see an outstanding film as well.