Cady's Take:

Mrs. Brown is based on actual events, which transpire during one of the darkest periods of Victoria 's reign from 1864 to 1868. When Victoria 's Albert died, she removed herself from society and took the royal household with her.

In desperation, Victoria's (Judi Dench) servants summon John Brown (Billy Connolly); a Highlander whom they hoped would pull the queen out of her funk. The two quickly become close friends. The film does a good job in exploring the lonely and isolated Victoria 's need for companionship, and the unorthodox platonic relationship that develops.

Their relationship as well as the queen's unwillingness to resume her royal duties caused quite a scandal throughout the land, but she refused to give him up. "Sometimes I think Brown is all I have left of Albert," she reasons.

Mrs. Brown is a fascinating character study, a wonderful love story, and a terrific period piece. Both actors immerse themselves in their roles. Dench was very good, but she was nevertheless outshined by Billy Connolly, the Scottish comedian who shows that he can deal even with the most difficult of all dramatic roles.

I was somewhat disappointed in the ending but this is without a doubt a commendable historical drama.

I can admit it; I have a problem. I am addicted to period pieces. I love the costume, I love the dialogue, and I love the accents. I love the cinematography, I love the locations, and I especially love when they are at least partially based on true events. I was a history major for about five minutes in college, so maybe this is a way to reclaim my lost studies - without all the papers and tests. In addition, I must confess, I have wanted to see "Mrs. Brown" for years - I distinctly remember when it came out being puzzled by Billy Connolly (a Scottish comedian) starring in a dramatic role opposite Judi Dench.

John Brown (Connolly) is a servant in the court of Queen Victoria (Dench) who is summoned after the death of her beloved husband, Prince Albert . The Queen is deep in mourning and this brash, irreverent Scot shocks and challenges her, and ultimately becomes her best friend. There is clearly an attraction between them, but is it sexual? Perhaps - it certainly is a deep and true friendship that has moments that "feel" forbidden. Of course there is the backdrop of political intrigue and court machinations: her son Albert is dying to ascend to the throne, while the country (deprived of their public Queen for two years) is beginning to express rumblings about the monarchy itself, and of course the ultimate concern: How much influence does this Scottish peasant have on the Queen of England?

All in all this is a fantastically acted and directed movie. Dench and Connolly have a great deal of chemistry, and like most period pieces set in England (I find) "Mrs. Brown" has both a dramatic appeal and a wicked sense of humor. I would highly recommend this movie - a real gem!