Sadly Over-hyped

An Exercise In Nonsense

Simple and well acted, it has tension enough to knot the stomach.

Just intense enough to provide a much-needed diversion, just lightweight enough to make you forget about it soon after it’s over. It’s not exactly “good,” per se, but it does what it sets out to do in terms of putting us on edge, which makes it … successful?

A matchless portrayal of Queen Victoria by Judi Dench, and an equally marvellous performance by Billy Connolly. Neither really physically resembled their real-life models, but that did not matter in view of the subtlety of the script by Jeremy Brock, and the sensitivity of the acting. Judi's facial expressions were miraculous, and Connolly is an infinitely better actor than comedian. There is also a superbly accurate and untroubled impersonation of Disraeli by Antony Sher. This steers delicately clear of the semi-caricature delivered by Westhead as Bertie of Wales.The sole question raised by this compelling narrative is: How true is it to the actual history ? Astonishingly, in view of the tendency of most historical dramas to fake and wildly distort the truth (think Braveheart), the feeling left by this superbly presented account is that it must have been written just about the way it actually was. Brown's diary was naturally deliberately destroyed.Seven time Oscar nominee Judi was finally given one for her role as the Queen in Shakespeare in Love, a very fine film. She was given her gong as long ago as 1988. I shouldn't wonder if the Queen doesn't give a gong to Billy Connolly. Now what made me say that on this particular day ?

I really wanted to see this movie, as I love Judi Dench, and when I saw it was going to show on TV, I knew I had to see it. The result is a very beautiful, touching and brilliantly acted film. Also excellent are the intelligent, sophisticated screenplay and sensitive direction. What made it so beautiful was how it was filmed; beautiful cinematography, scenery, costumes you name it. The music is soothing, pleasant and tender, and the story is somewhat tragic and compelling. And the acting is outstanding, Judi Dench is absolutely mesmerising as Queen Victoria and Billy Connolly was a huge surprise as John Brown, giving a restrained and very moving performance, proving he can do serious roles while being thoroughly decent at comedy as well. Of the supporting performances, I thought the best came from Anthony Sher as Disraeli, and Geoffrey Palmer is also great. Overall, topped with a poignant ending, Mrs Brown is a wonderful film. 10/10 Bethany Cox

In mourning after the loss of her husband Prince Albert, Queen Victoria calls for his former aide, John Brown to be on hand for her walks and such. On arrival, Brown upsets his colleagues and peers by speaking his mind to her – indeed upsetting her as well. He persists though and eventually she goes on a ride with him. His frankness with her seems to win her over and sees her confide in him, increasing her isolation and his standing within the house. At the same time, the political absence of the Queen is felt within the Commons and pressure starts to build not only on her to return to public duty but also in relation to her unusual relationship with Brown.Nobody should let their lack of knowledge of the characters and the period put them off coming to this fine period drama; I myself knew nothing of them but I do try and spot a quality film when I see one – and so it was here. Based on fact to a degree, this film could just as easily as been made up and still be just as effective as a story and a drama. The strength is in the development of the characters, the relationship between Victoria and Brown and the political pressures that push on them from outside. The film does all these things impressively and in doing so produces an engaging story that is as driven by the political ongoings as it is by the development of the simple friendship at its core. Madden embraces the pace of Brock's writing and avoids sensationalism or overdoing things where subtlety makes things better.The cast are a massive part of the film working though. Dench won an Oscar for this performance (albeit a year late – anyone who thinks she won it for Shakespeare in Love is crazy!) and it was thoroughly deserved. She does the typical "Queen Victoria" sternness well but she does a much better job of softening her character gradually with good touches here and there. Connelly is just as impressive – personally I've never been that taken with him as a stand-up comedian but here he has a real presence and a real understanding of his character – chasing position, finding friendship and love and everything that that brings. They work together really well and they drive the material forward effortlessly. Support is classy and impressive from people such as Palmer, Sher, Butler and others – there are no weak links in this cast.Overall then this is a fine and engaging film that works on many levels. The material is really well written with characters, relationships and standards well laid out and presented. The cast respond with two tremendous performances from the leads and classy support throughout. An all round classy film that is effortlessly engaging and elegant and well worth its reputation.

I must admit I watched this movie because I am hot for Gerard Butler. It was disconcerting to hear he and his brother with two different Scottish accents and the fact that the guy playing his brother is old enough to be his father. Anyway, I saw the previews to this movie years ago and wanted to see it and finally rented it. I liked it up to a point and then I felt the movie just sort of petered out. It didn't end it just sort of faded away. Billy Connelly is the real star and it should have been entitled Mr. Queen Victoria because his whole life revolved around her. I didn't think he had a great deal of influence over her, but he did have respect and affection for her and treated her like a real person instead of just royalty. Anyway, it just goes to show if you base a movie on a real life person, the story suffers. I thought Butler was too thin. I like him more filled out. (And didn't get to see him catching hypothermia in detail enough.)