Mrs. Brown Reviews

A highly resonant testament to the redemptive power of love--one that transcends traditional romantic definitions.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4

terrific performances make it a must-see

| Original Score: 4/5

Fine Judi Dench starring drama.

| Original Score: 5/5

Centering on a lesser-known chapter in the reign of Queen Victoria, this richly detailed drama about her intimate relationship with her servant that scandalized the country is extremely well-acted; Judi Dench deserves an Oscar nomination

Full Review | Original Score: B+

Dench is magnificent as Victoria, a toy-sized, black-suited, dough girl of despair, a woman slowly recovering her wits and her expectations.

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This discreet drama failed to get to me emotionally.

Full Review | Original Score: C+

Interesting, but didn't love it.

| Original Score: 3/5

Dench's Victoria has a full palette of pent-up emotions bubbling inside her like a pressure-cooker; one can feel the power of her anguish...

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5

The political nuances of Mrs. Brown may be obscure to most Americans, but you need no expertise in British history to appreciate Ms. Dench's honesty or Mr. Connolly's ferocity,or Anthony Sher's sly turn as the sharp-witted Disraeli.

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Despite a few passing similarities to "The Madness of King George" and "Carrington," "Mrs. Brown" succeeds bravely on its own terms, owing much to freshman scribe Jeremy Brock's outstanding blending of fact and speculation.

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Explores the platonic friendship between the Queen of the British empire and a Scottish servant.

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Unfortunately, the performances are not enough to carry this film, which feels much longer than its 83 minutes running time.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5

Judi Dench's glacial, reserved demeanour contrasts beautifully with Billy Connolly's natural, rebellious exuberance, and their resultant spark of chemistry is undeniable.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5

''Mrs. Brown'' transcends its period setting not only with a keenly observed struggle between love and duty but also with the kind of controversy that envelops the Queen and her servant.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5

If the movie crumbles under its own stiffness at times, at least it has the two old pros' good performances to cheer us along the way.

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Helping things greatly is the film's talented cast, which not only includes stunning performances from the leads, but a scene-stealing turn by Sher as well.

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Assuming that rich human insight, great production values, and topnotch acting still count for something, Mrs. Brown should have no trouble finding an appreciative audience.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5

How the story resolves itself is a bit unusual and not near as tidily wrapped up as we have come to expect from our films. More like real life.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4

Connolly is a revelation. He is one of these rare beasts who have the ability to bring with him his strong presence and renown, but skillfully in the mix, manages to detach himself from his persona and mould himself into the character.

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Before you know it, you're caught up in a difficult but touching friendship, and enjoying a history lesson more than you ever thought possible.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5