Watch Her Majesty, Mrs. Brown
- PG
- 1997
- 1 hr 41 min
-
7.2 (15,633)
In 1997, director John Madden brought to the screen a historical drama that would captivate audiences worldwide. Titled Her Majesty, Mrs. Brown, the movie tells the story of the relationship between Queen Victoria and her trusted servant John Brown, following the death of her beloved Prince Albert. The movie opens with an eerie and somber atmosphere, as the Queen's family and staff try to cope with the loss of Prince Albert. Victoria, played magnificently by Judi Dench, is in deep mourning and cannot bear to be surrounded by anyone but her most loyal servant, John Brown, portrayed by Billy Connolly.
As the Queen continues to retreat from public life, her staff begins to worry about her well-being and propose she travel to Scotland to seek solace in her summer home. She agrees to the trip and takes John Brown with her, as the only person she trusts and feels comfortable around.
What follows is a beautiful depiction of the blossoming relationship between the Queen and John Brown amidst the stunning Scottish countryside. Billy Connolly brings a humanity and warmth to the character of John Brown, who easily charms the Queen with his humor, kindness, and unwavering loyalty.
The story moves along steadily, with flashbacks to Victoria's life with Prince Albert and the difficulties she faced in finding emotional fulfillment in their marriage. The contrast between the relationship she had with her husband and the one she finds with John Brown is palpable, bringing a great deal of depth to the movie.
Geoffrey Palmer plays Prime Minister Disraeli, who is tasked with handling the delicate situation of the Queen's withdrawal from public life. As rumors fly about the nature of her relationship with John Brown, Disraeli becomes increasingly worried about the effect this might have on the monarchy, as it is still a relatively new role in Britain. He tries to persuade the Queen to return to public life but is met with much resistance.
Judi Dench's portrayal of Queen Victoria is a testament to her acting ability. She imbues the character with all the doubts and difficulties that come with being a woman in a man's world. We see her struggle with the weight of her duties and the expectations placed on her as a monarch. Dench delivers the Queen's speeches with conviction and heart, making it easy to see why Victoria was such an influential figure in British history.
As the movie progresses, tensions rise between the Queen's staff and John Brown, who is seen as an outsider and a threat to the monarchy. Connolly brings intensity to his performance, as we see him struggle to balance his loyalty to the Queen with his personal desires. His chemistry with Dench is undeniable, making it easy to root for them as a couple.
The movie's climax is a powerful and emotional moment, as we see Victoria finally confronting her fears and stepping back into the public eye. This leads to a bittersweet goodbye between the Queen and John Brown, who must return to his home in Scotland. The final scene is a poignant reminder of the complexities of love and the difficulties of letting go.
In conclusion, Her Majesty, Mrs. Brown is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant movie that explores the relationship between two unlikely friends. The stunning Scottish scenery, memorable performances, and powerful script make it a must-watch for anyone interested in historical dramas.
Her Majesty, Mrs. Brown is a 1997 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 71.