Mrs Brown: A Critically Acclaimed Period Drama Now Available for Streaming
The 1997 film Mrs Brown, featuring Judi Dench in an Oscar-nominated performance as Queen Victoria, has been hailed as a magnificent period drama with outstanding acting and is currently streaming on Sky. This cinematic gem, which delves into the profound friendship between the mourning monarch and her Scottish servant John Brown, portrayed by Billy Connolly, continues to receive widespread acclaim from viewers and critics alike.
IMDb Reviews Praise the Film's Strengths
On IMDb, Mrs Brown boasts a solid 7.2/10 rating, with many users offering glowing reviews. One viewer awarded it a perfect 10/10, describing it as a strong period drama and applauding the lead actor for brilliant characterisation. They elaborated, calling it a sprightly, entertaining, and engrossing study of a moment in the life of the enigmatic Queen Victoria.
The reviewer highlighted the outstanding production crew and fine cast, noting these elements ensure the film succeeds on every level. Furthermore, the lead was hailed as one of the finest actresses on the stage or screen today, with their performance in this film simply reinforcing that reputation.
Viewers Laud the Emotional Depth and Performances
Another IMDb reviewer gave the film 9/10, branding it a treasure. They expressed disappointment that the lead was overlooked for an Oscar, while suggesting the supporting actor equally deserved recognition. One viewer awarded a 9/10 rating, describing it as a fantastic love story, though they clarified this wasn't a conventional romance but explored different relationships.
They elaborated: It is the story of a servant's love for his queen; it is the story of a woman's love for the man who has given her life meaning; it is a story of two best friends, who ignore social circumstances and care deeply for one another. The story is nearly flawless, combining the historical situation and circumstances with intense and riveting emotion.
Another viewer described the lead performances as phenomenal and called it a moving drama about terrible grief being assuaged through loyal friendship. They commended the central duo for portraying such complex characters, noting that audiences were able to look upon their souls in this portrayal.
Plot and Historical Context of Mrs Brown
Released in 1997, Mrs Brown chronicles the profound friendship between a mourning Queen Victoria, portrayed by Judi Dench, and her Scottish servant John Brown, played by Billy Connolly. Set in 1863, the film depicts how Brown was brought to court to encourage the grieving monarch to emerge from years of isolation following her bereavement.
While Brown succeeded in helping Queen Victoria return to public life, his closeness to the monarch sparked increasing hostility from politicians and Royal Family members, who resented his considerable sway over her. The film's title, Mrs Brown, was also used to hint at a potentially scandalous and sexual relationship between Queen Victoria and Brown.
Star-Studded Cast and Awards Recognition
The star-studded cast of Mrs Brown included not only Dench and Connolly but also Geoffrey Palmer from As Time Goes By, acclaimed stage actor Antony Sher from The Shadow Line, Hollywood heartthrob Gerard Butler, and David Westhead from BBC's Strike, among others. Despite being nominated for numerous Oscars and BAFTA Film Awards, Mrs Brown was overshadowed by Titanic, which dominated the awards season that year.
Although Dench missed out on the Best Actress Oscar, she did clinch the BAFTA Film award in the same category. Dench reprised her role as Queen Victoria in 2017's Victoria & Abdul, two decades after her initial portrayal of the queen.
Mrs Brown is available for streaming on Sky for a fee, offering film enthusiasts a chance to experience this acclaimed period drama. This follows hot on the heels of audiences discovering other praised content, such as a TV series based on a superb author's work, a masterpiece period crime drama, and an excellent Shakespeare adaptation.
