‘Magnificent’ period drama with ‘outstanding acting’ now streaming

The 1997 film starring Judi Dench as Queen Victoria has been dubbed a ‘fantastic love story’ and is streaming on Sky

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Judi Dench got an Oscar nomination for her performance(Image: MIRAMAX)

Film enthusiasts seeking a compelling new period drama should look no further than this gem currently available on Sky, which has garnered widespread acclaim from viewers.

This follows hot on the heels of audiences discovering a TV series based on a “superb” author’s work, a “masterpiece” period crime drama and an “excellent” Shakespeare adaptation. The film has received considerable praise on IMDb, where it currently boasts a solid 7.2/10 rating, reports the Express.

One viewer awarded the film a perfect 10/10 score, describing it as a “strong” period drama whilst applauding the leading actor for delivering yet another “brilliant characterisation”.

The reviewer went on to highlight the production’s “outstanding production crew” and “fine cast”, noting these elements ensured it “succeeds on every level”.

Furthermore, the lead was hailed as “one of the finest actresses on the stage or screen today”, with their turn in this film simply reinforcing that reputation.

Another IMDb reviewer gave the film 9/10, branding it a “treasure”. They expressed disappointment that the lead was overlooked for an Oscar, whilst suggesting the supporting actor equally deserved recognition.

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Billy Connolly was praised for his performance in the film(Image: MIRAMAX)

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They concluded: “This movie is magnificent; one of the best I’ve seen in a long time. Even if you think this kind of thing is too Masterpiece Theatre, I think you would enjoy this.”

One viewer awarded a 9/10 rating, describing it as a “This film is 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”.

Released in 1997, Mrs Brown chronicled the profound friendship between a mourning Queen Victoria (portrayed by Judi Dench) and her Scottish servant John Brown (Billy Connolly).

Taking place in 1863, the film depicted how Brown was brought to court to encourage the grieving monarch to emerge from years of isolation following her bereavement.

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The film was set in Scotland and followed Queen Victoria coming out of mourning(Image: MIRAMAX)

Whilst 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.

The star-studded cast of Mrs Brown included not only Dench and Connolly, but also As Time Goes By’s Geoffrey Palmer, 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.