Mrs Brown (1997)

Very disappointing...

This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.

one of rare films who gives a new form of romanticism , more profound, more subtle and almost material. because it is story of a special friendship and a remarkable occasion for Judy Dench to create a memorable character with precise delicacy. a film about two worlds clash and about the emotion as subtle link between people. two cultures and a great chance to reflect the other in yourself. not the script, not the landscapes but the impressive acting is the key for the metamorphose of film, step by step, in an experience for viewer. not easy subject, it becomes in this film more than credible but subtle example about measure, sacrifice and the need of the other as shield against yourself.

The nature of Queen Victoria's relationship with her Scottish servant John Brown certainly isn't of earth-shaking historical significance, however it does make for an interesting enough story, some good speculation (both in their day and in ours) and a reminder that royal scandal didn't begin with the current crop of British royalty.After the death of her beloved husband Prince Albert, Victoria became very attached to Brown, who in turn became very protective of her. Their relationship was for the most part a very informal one (shockingly so to others, to whom deference to royalty - especially from commoners, and servants to boot! - was the natural state of affairs) and the obvious closeness of their relationship led to rumours and innuendo about the possibility of a love affair between the two. The movie takes no side on whether that happened or not (although the very closing scene, in which two of Victoria's most important counsellors are relieved that Brown's diary was found and that no one else had seen it perhaps implies that "something" had happened) and the reality is that there's no solid historical evidence to suggest that any romance developed between the two. The movie does portray in a very convincing manner the complications of such a friendship: the jealousy felt toward Brown by both his fellow servants (to whom he becomes quite haughty at times, rubbing their noses in his special status) and by other members of the royal family, who feared the potential for scandal and also resented the fact that Brown was closer to Victoria in many ways than they were.The movie is a good period piece. The sets and atmosphere seem authentic and there's some great Scottish scenery in the midst of the story. The movie also features great performances from Judi Dench as Victoria and Billy Connolly as Brown. Also not to be overlooked is a fine performance from Antony Sher as Disraeli - the Prime Minister whose own position as head of government is being threatened by the Queen's increasing unpopularity when she secludes herself for years after Albert's death, and who eventually has to seek Brown's help (because Brown seems to be the only one with influence over her) to get Victoria to reclaim her public role as sovereign. The story may be trivial from a historical perspective, but at least it's interesting trivia!

Judi Dench plays Queen Victoria a year before winning her Oscar for playing Queen Elizabeth, and Billy Connolly plays the man who helps her recover from the depression she falls into after the death of her husband.This is a tasteful, quiet period piece that has not much to recommend it cinematically but does give one the opportunity to see some terrific performances. American audiences didn't know who Dench was at the time of this film's release, but that was soon to be corrected. Because she lost the Best Actress Academy Award for this role (to Helen Hunt, of all people), she won the very next year for her 30 seconds of screen time in "Shakespeare in Love" and has been an Oscar regular ever since. She could play a fence post and be nominated now, as long as she did it with a British accent.Grade: B

This was a surprisingly good movie. Okay, I turned it on because I saw Gerard Butler in the list of actors for this movie. If he is the ONLY reason you are considering watching this film I would not recommend it for you...he has a minor part, although you do get a good look at his naked rear. Or you might watch it for him if you want to see him in his early years. Anyways, if you, like me, love period pieces then this would be a good movie to watch. I don't mind first gear movies, which this is. It is also witty and a different look into the royals. I can't get enough period pieces. If this is true for you add this to your list.