Mrs. Brown
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Movie Reviews of Mrs. Brown
Movie Review: a tour deforce
Summary: 5 Stars
judi dench as queen victoria is remarkable her oscar nomination as best actress was well deserved.Movie Review: Royalty, Romance & Running Naked Into Lochs
Summary: 4 Stars
Everything you want in a historically-accurate period piece -- hidden emotions, devout loyalty, honor, biographical insight, and bits of quirky humor. Shot primarily in Scotland, in one of the lochs regions so remote and beautiful you can scarcely believe it still exists, the film does a great job of casting us back to the period, and the action flows so consistently that you'll never be bored. In the end, it also made me want to learn more about Mr. Brown and re-learn what little I knew about Disraeli.
The head of Britain's National Theatre once said of Dame Judi Dench, "When you talk about Judi, you unpack a suitcase full of superlatives." That's as true of her role in "Mrs. Brown" as of any other film or play of hers. She's great in this film, playing Queen Victoria with all the necessary pomposity, but also getting across the vulnerability of the old girl in a tremendously subtle and graceful performance that almost makes you feel you're watching the real person.
Then there's Billy Connolly as John Brown, the "common" Highlander gillie to whom Queen Victoria turned after three years of mourning her husband, Prince Albert, who died prematurely. Brown was known to be substantially more brusque and commanding, but also more gentle, with the Queen than anyone else around her was allowed to be. Connolly not only portrays that wonderfully, but being the hilarious comedian he is, also spikes the role with humor and spirit that we can only hope the original Brown actually possessed.
The DVD itself is fine, but this is one of the few times that I would have loved to see more about the making of the film. While I don't care about the period clothing or some of the other things that are often put on DVDs, the castles and the estates are intriguing and, with Billy Connolly as one of the stars, I would LOVE to see what must be hilarious outtakes from the film.
Movie Review: Stunningly indepedent
Summary: 4 Stars
Mrs. BrownScore: 82/100
Although this film has a kind of TV-film feel to it, it is far from the standards of such TV movies as Absence of the Good. It is a professional and well-made film that deserves your time. Mrs. Brown was nominated for 2 Academy Awards, Best Actress and Best Makeup, and although it didn't pick up the Oscar, in my book, it deserved to. It also deserved to take home more nominations, and more awards.
Queen Victoria (Judi Dench) is deeply depressed after the death of her husband, disappearing from public. Her servant Mr. John Brown (Billy Connolly), who adores her, through caress and admiration brings her back to life, but that relationship creates scandalous situation and is likely to lead to monarchy crisis.
The story is sometimes confusing, and the end seemed a little rushed to me, but Mrs. Brown is still a visually easy on the eye, meticulously crafted drama with a touch of emotional romance. It's not as if Queen Victoria is in love with Mr. John Brown, it's more that she is in love with the subject of falling in love. It may seem odd reading it now, but once you've watched the film, you'll understand perfectly. The film is very brutal and full-frontal, but it sometimes stops for a touch of comedic humour, some of it funny, some of it not so funny. As for performances, it goes without saying that Judi Dench is absolutely masterful in her controlled performance as Queen Victoria. It's a truly memorable performance, a homage to the real Queen. Billy Connolly is amazing as the honest Brown, he brings the days of truthful royalty to our screens with power and divine emotion.
Mrs. Brown, directed by John Madden, is a frequently stunning picture, and although it could be a snoozer for teen audiences, for real movie-goer's, it's a must-see, a magnificent film you definitely won't want to be sleeping through.
Movie Review: Very Pleasant Movie
Summary: 4 Stars
I really liked this movie. Judi Dench plays Victoria with both the arrogance and very touching vulnerability that makes her character of the bereaved monarch both credible and poignant. The very talented Billy Connolly plays Mr. Brown, the queen's horse tender and her eventual friend and confidante. Connolly gives Brown a very tough, crusty exterior, and expertly exposes the tenderness underneath the man's roughness. Dench and Connolly work beautifully together, and as the movie progresses, they forge a very believable relationship between their two characters.
One note for Gerry Butler fans: You may be disappointed that your beloved actor is only in a few brief scenes. He is mainly there for exposition, wears a very bad wig, and really has no huge impact on the story. You might best spend your money on another Gerry film, unless you're set on seeing him cavort in the water au natural(for a few seconds).
For everyone else: This movie, while taking a few historical liberties, is based on real events. It is a well made film, with fine cinematography, good scripting, and excellent acting. It is a quiet, quite enjoyable story. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in period films, character studies, or just plain good entertainment.
Movie Review: Sweet and tender period piece
Summary: 4 Stars
I thought Ms. Dench was outstanding in this film, but then she always is . . . Billy Connolly was not as familiar to me, and maybe that was a good thing because I don't know him as a comedian or whatever, so he seemed to be meant for the role as the Highland Servant. At times, when he and his brother Archie (played by "Phantom of the Opera" Gerard Butler) were conversing, I couldn't understand their Scottish brogue and almost wanted to turn on the subtitles. Incidentally, Mr. Butler looked sublime running naked into the ocean, flying appendages and all ... *sigh*!
Antony Sher as Benjamin Disraeli -- probably the best characterization of the great Prime Minister I've ever seen.
I couldn't help but wonder about the animosity displayed by the rest of the household staff toward John Brown, but upon researching his story on various websites most of what was depicted was accurate. This man had to be pretty highly regarded by the Queen to be so disliked by everyone else around him. I did not find anything about his having a brother also in her majesty's service, so that quite probably was 'artistic license'.
Anyhow, it's worth checking out, not one for the action film enthusiasts, but a lovely way to escape for a few hours.