Mrs. Brown (1997)
87%RT Audience Score: 79%
Awards & Nominations: NA
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
Mrs. Brown is a movie that tells the story of Queen Victoria’s intimate relationship with her servant, and it’s scandalous! But don’t worry, the director, John Madden, plays it cool and droll, making it a fun watch. Judi Dench’s performance is amazing, and she deserves an Oscar nomination for it. Plus, the chemistry between her and Billy Connolly is undeniable. The only downside is that the film is a bit flat, but the rich human insight, great production values, and topnotch acting make it a must-see. So, grab some popcorn and get ready for a royal scandal!
Production Company(ies)
Preferred Content Sundial Pictures,
Distributor
Miramax Films, Buena Vista International [us]
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
TV-MA
Year of Release
1997
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Color:Color
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Sound mix:Stereo
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Aspect ratio:1.78 : 1
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Runtime:1h 43m
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Language(s):
-
Country of origin:United Kingdom
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Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Jul 18, 1997 Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 5, 2011
Genre(s)
History/Drama
Keyword(s)
starring Judi Dench, Billy Connolly, Geoffrey Palmer, Antony Sher, Gerard Butler, Richard Pasco, Sarah Curtis, directed by John Madden, written by Jeremy Brock, History, Drama, PG, box office performance, $9.2M, reviewed by Anthony Lane, Jay Boyar, Emanuel Levy, Nell Minow, William Mager, Russell Smith, Ian Buruma, Michael Dequina, Rich Cline, Steve Crum, Cole Smithey, Chuck O’Leary, Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, John Brown, Henry Ponsonby, Benjamin Disraeli, Doctor Jenner, Miramax Films, Buena Vista International [us], Dolby, Surround, grieving, relationship, scandalous rumors, court, servant, protocol, chemistry, nuanced, witty, thoughtful script, seldom explored historical relationship
Worldwide gross: $9,229,808
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: $9,229,808
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Billy Connolly – John Brown
Geoffrey Palmer – Henry Ponsonby
Antony Sher – Benjamin Disraeli
Gerard Butler – Archie Brown
Richard Pasco – Doctor Jenner
Director(s)
John Madden
Writer(s)
Jeremy Brock
Producer(s)
Sarah Curtis
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
Oscar Nominees
All Critics (51) | Top Critics (16) | Fresh (47) | Rotten (4)
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.
July 19, 2021
Anthony Lane
New Yorker
TOP CRITIC
Mrs. Brown is reserved yet spirited.
May 6, 2016
Jay Boyar
Orlando Sentinel
TOP CRITIC
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
January 29, 2007 | Rating: B+
Emanuel Levy
Variety
TOP CRITIC
January 30, 2003 | Rating: 4/5
Nell Minow
Movie Mom
TOP CRITIC
Judi Dench’s glacial, reserved demeanour contrasts beautifully with Billy Connolly’s natural, rebellious exuberance, and their resultant spark of chemistry is undeniable.
April 17, 2001 | Rating: 4/5
William Mager
BBC.com
TOP CRITIC
Assuming that rich human insight, great production values, and topnotch acting still count for something, Mrs. Brown should have no trouble finding an appreciative audience.
January 1, 2000 | Rating: 3/5
Russell Smith
Austin Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
There is something missing in the film. It is flat.
August 17, 2018
Ian Buruma
The New York Review of Books
A highly resonant testament to the redemptive power of love–one that transcends traditional romantic definitions.
March 31, 2009 | Rating: 3.5/4
Michael Dequina
TheMovieReport.com
terrific performances make it a must-see
April 20, 2008 | Rating: 4/5
Rich Cline
Shadows on the Wall
Fine Judi Dench starring drama.
April 20, 2007 | Rating: 5/5
Steve Crum
Video-Reviewmaster.com
March 13, 2006 | Rating: 4/5
Cole Smithey
ColeSmithey.com
September 21, 2005 | Rating: 3/5
Chuck O’Leary
Fantastica Daily…
Plot
A comedy centered on a loud-mouthed Irish matriarch whose favorite pastime is meddling in the lives of her six children.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
There is no goofy or funny or odd comment about the film in the Fresh Kernels summary.
John-Madden.jpg
