Mrs Brown

Superb and thoroughly convincing portrayals by all, but especially Judi Dench as Queen Victoria and Billy Connolly as John Brown. Brown is dogged in his devotion to the Queen.

While she is appreciative of and at a point demands that he remains with her, he is a very unpopular choice with her children, advisors, prime minister(s), etc.

Even through ridicule and other hardships Brown remains ever vigilant. A haunting film, that is well worth more then one viewing.

The attention to detail will please even the most demanding viewer.

I saw this movie again last night on video, having seen it before. It's one of those unpretentious films that leaves you wondering why you are - quietly - so involved: it "sneaks up" on you. Musing, it occurred to me that the unnamed force holding the story together is the unidentified motivation of John Brown. Why does he become so doggedly concerned with the welfare of this woman - in both her manners and her position the epitome of that English system of class and values he so disdains - even to the point of near obsession? We can see from his other actions and words that it has something to do with responsibility, independence, kindness, strength and weakness, and most of all honesty - he cannot dissemble - but fortunately, the film makers and the actor don't pry. The character is that wonderful thing, opaque yet real, sympathetic yet independent and never cloying - a wonderful antidote to run of the mill characterisation where we, the audience, are forced relentlessly to "relate". You really feel as if you have met a man as you might in life. At the largest level, I got out of the film the sense of what is possible - in terms of feeling, of relationship, of kindness to others - to a person when they truly accept themselves and live life on their own terms.

Absolutely brilliant film. No question, we all seem to agree that Dench deserved the Oscar (ok, Hunt was cute in AGAIG but a long way from 'Best'), Connolly is surprisingly good in this very dramatic role (I'm not exactly a huge fan of his comedic work), and Sher was very clever as Disraeli. All in all, a sterling performance by a wonderful cast. But this movie is just a little bit more that just great acting, it is also a moving story of the burdens of office, the mores of Victorian society, the anguish of the death of a loved one, and the blessing of true friendship. This is a very good movie. Don't expect sex, violence or swearing, but if you're looking for a quality film, this could be for you. 8/10

"Mrs. Brown" tells the story of the grieving widow Queen Victoria (Dench) and her relationship with a common Scottish horse groomsman (Connolly) whose audacity and devotion won him a position as the queen's closest consort and her everlasting affection. A wonderfully executed period piece (circa 1860's), "Mrs. Brown" leans toward fact and avoids sensationalism as it tenders its biographically correct drama about a grieving queen who finds an unspoken love and renewed commitment to life in a most unlikely man. Anyone into British period flicks should enjoy this film's sterling performances, excellent costuming, beautiful locations, etc. (B+)

Mrs Brown is a good movie with a good storyline ,excellent performances by Bill Conolly ,Judi Dench and Antony Sher. Antony Sher(Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli)adds some humor to the the movie .It was a delight visiting the beautiful Scottish Highlands thanks to some marvelous photography and a very good recreation of the Victorian age. The real show stealer I felt was Bill Conolly(John Brown).He is portrayed as a loyal,charismatic,fun loving Scottish highlander who can dare to defy the Queen's orders .The scenes involving Victoria and Brown are electrifying.It surprises me that a talented actor like Bill Connoly Does not get many good roles.I would definitely love to see more of this talented actor.