Mrs. Brown (1997)
Average Rating: 7.3/10
Reviews Counted: 48
Fresh: 45 | Rotten: 3
Thanks to some top notch acting, the chemistry between its stars, and a witty, thoughtful script, Mrs. Brown delivers a nuanced and entertaining, if not entirely factual, account of a seldom explored historical relationship.
Average Rating: 7.5/10
Critic Reviews: 10
Fresh: 9 | Rotten: 1
Thanks to some top notch acting, the chemistry between its stars, and a witty, thoughtful script, Mrs. Brown delivers a nuanced and entertaining, if not entirely factual, account of a seldom explored historical relationship.
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Average Rating: 3.7/5
User Ratings: 8,090
Movie Info
The ruler of England discovers the value of common friendship in this historical drama. After the death of her husband Prince Albert, Queen Victoria (Judi Dench) is despondent, and she remains in mourning for two years after Albert's passing. When one of her servants suggests that a daily ride on horseback might be a tonic for the Queen's health and spirits, a Scotsman named John Brown (Billy Connolly) is hired as her guide and groom. At first, the Queen shows no interest in riding, though Brown
Jul 18, 1997 Wide
Apr 22, 1998
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Cast
-
Judi Dench
Queen Victoria -
Billy Connolly
John Brown -
Geoffrey Palmer
Henry Ponsonby -
Antony Sher
Disraeli -
David Westhead
Prince of Wales -
Gerard Butler
Archie Brown -
Richard Pasco
Doctor Jenner
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All Critics (50) | Top Critics (10) | Fresh (45) | Rotten (3) | DVD (2)
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
Dench is magnificent as Victoria, a toy-sized, black-suited, dough girl of despair, a woman slowly recovering her wits and her expectations.
Top Critic''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.
Even as the film teases us with the underlying ''sensuality'' of the relationship, it fails to portray it as a convincing human bond. Mrs. Brown is stately yet depressed, like Victoria.
Top CriticA highly resonant testament to the redemptive power of love--one that transcends traditional romantic definitions.
terrific performances make it a must-see
Fine Judi Dench starring drama.
This discreet drama failed to get to me emotionally.
Interesting, but didn't love it.
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...
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.
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.
Explores the platonic friendship between the Queen of the British empire and a Scottish servant.
Unfortunately, the performances are not enough to carry this film, which feels much longer than its 83 minutes running time.
Judi Dench's glacial, reserved demeanour contrasts beautifully with Billy Connolly's natural, rebellious exuberance, and their resultant spark of chemistry is undeniable.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Audience Reviews for Mrs. Brown
Super Reviewer
Super Reviewer
Story: A-
Acting: A
Direction: A-
Visuals: A-
Overall: A-
***1/2 out of 4 stars
Super Reviewer
Super Reviewer
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Foreign Titles
- Mrs Brown (DE)
- Mrs Brown (CA)
