Her Majesty, Mrs. Brown

PG

Released Jul 18, 1997

1 hr. 43 min.

History

Drama

List

92%

51 Reviews

Tomatometer

79%

5,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

After the death of her beloved husband, Prince Albert, Queen Victoria (Judi Dench) withdraws from public life, so the court appoints a former servant of the prince, John Brown (Billy Connolly), to help her recover from her grief. Brown's unorthodox ways and disdain for protocol draw the queen out of her shell, and the brash Scot becomes her sole confidant. However, their growing closeness causes a stir, as scandalous rumors begin circulating about the exact nature of their relationship.

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Critics Consensus

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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jon c

Director John Madden tells the true story of Queen Victoria and her journey to get back up from grief She married Prince Albert, it was one of the happiest marriages in Britain's history Sadly he passed away from typhoid in 1861 and it was a devastating blow to the Queen She became a recluse in her duties hiding away in her palace 2 years later a Scottish servant Mr. Brown arrived having once served Prince Albert to hopefully make her realize it's worth going back to public life and resuming her royal duties It however created a subsequent uproar with the rest of the officials questioning their relationship The public, press, and other politicians think twice about Mr. Brown claiming the Queen isn't in her right mind or fit to be making decisions He risks taking control over the Queen's daily activities, further aggravating the tensions between himself and the Royal Family and servants Bad enough her husband wasn't given the title king since they deemed him of insufficient rank Queen Victoria finally learns though to open up and embrace Mr. Brown's cultural pastimes Sad to say their friendship dissipated over time because of corrupt politics and Brown wrote down all his accounts in his diary that was never recovered Yet Victoria regained her popularity and ruled another 18 years So their bond was beneficial in a way even if it was temporary and tested her ability as a royal This has a downer of an ending for something that started so genuine but history has proven there will always be haters who seem unorthodox particularly of famous people Yes it's not an entirely factual, account of a seldom explored historical relationship but Dench and Connolly act the parts tremendously And you can't deny it's a highly resonant testament to the redemptive power of love--one that transcends traditional romantic definitions

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

kevin w

Superb work with master technicians behind and in front of the camera, the story about how a servant of Queen Victoria, the leader of the free world at that time, dared to get close to her against all traditions and when she was inconsolable grieving the death of her husband. How this closeness is achieved and its consequences make for invigorating storytelling. Looking for something more adult?

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

steve d

Great historical drama with performances to match its wonderful story.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

Audience Member

A brilliant and beautiful time piece with outstanding performances by Judi Dench and Billy Connolly.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/25/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This is a very solid period drama. And whether you enjoyed Stephen Frears' Victoria & Abdul or its perfunctory and sentimental approach to its story completely turned you off, this one has a very similar story about Queen Victoria also played by Judi Denchin what could be quite possibly the best role I've seen for her, which does say something. This one handle such story in a rather serious and earnest manner that you couldn't help being engrossed in the goings-on, and it's far more intricate and clever. However, I think it could have been trimmed a tad to step up the deliberate pacing a little and shorten it a bit. I'd also love if more risks had been taken in shooting the film. (8/10)

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/07/23

Full Review

Audience Member

A movie with excellent acting and enjoyment of a good story of friendship and love without having to have the sexual content many movies today have.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/03/20

Full Review

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John Madden

Director

Judi Dench

Queen Victoria

Billy Connolly

John Brown

Geoffrey Palmer

Henry Ponsonby

Antony Sher

Benjamin Disraeli

Gerard Butler

Archie Brown

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Anthony Lane

New Yorker

The director, John Madden, could have set this up as a minor tragedy, but he has the wit, especially in the first half, to play it cool and droll, and he is helped no end by finely gauged performances.

Jul 19, 2021

Full Review

Jay Boyar

Orlando Sentinel

Mrs. Brown is reserved yet spirited.

May 6, 2016

Full Review

Emanuel Levy

Variety

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

Rated: B+

Jan 29, 2007

Full Review

Ian Buruma

The New York Review of Books

There is something missing in the film. It is flat.

Aug 17, 2018

Full Review

Michael Dequina

TheMovieReport.com

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

Rated: 3.5/4

Mar 31, 2009

Full Review

Rich Cline

Shadows on the Wall

terrific performances make it a must-see

Rated: 4/5

Apr 20, 2008

Full Review

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Synopsis

After the death of her beloved husband, Prince Albert, Queen Victoria (Judi Dench) withdraws from public life, so the court appoints a former servant of the prince, John Brown (Billy Connolly), to help her recover from her grief. Brown's unorthodox ways and disdain for protocol draw the queen out of her shell, and the brash Scot becomes her sole confidant. However, their growing closeness causes a stir, as scandalous rumors begin circulating about the exact nature of their relationship.

Director: John Madden
Executive Producer: Andrea Calderwood, Rebecca Eaton, Douglas Rae
Screenwriter: Jeremy Brock
Distributor: Miramax Films, Buena Vista International [us]
Production Co: WGBH
Rating: PG
Genre: History, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 18, 1997, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 17, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $9.2M
Sound Mix: Dolby, Surround

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