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Review

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

A little-known episode from the final years of Queen Victoria's reign provides the inspiration for this unexpected odd-couple comedy drama. Summoned from Agra to present a commemorative coin at Windsor, low-born Abdul Karim (Bollywood star Ali Fazal) soon captures the attention of Judi Dench's ageing and lonely monarch, whose open-hearted attitude towards this Muslim newcomer contrasts with the outright hostility displayed by the rest of the royal household. Soon he's teaching the queen Urdu, yet equally significant is the nascent emotional bond between handsome servant and isolated widow. As such, this stands as a companion piece to 1997's Mrs Brown, dedicated to an earlier key friendship during Victoria's reign. But this film offers much sharper humour, and an even stronger performance from Dame Judi, at her very best conveying both Victoria's surprising vulnerability and her indomitable spirit. Arguably, some of the knockabout comedy's a little too enthusiastic, and Lee Hall's dialogue at times too modern. But sly humour and genuine emotion abound as this fascinating true story emerges from the shadows of history.

How to watch

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Credits

Cast

rolename
Queen VictoriaJudi Dench
Abdul KarimAli Fazal
Lord SalisburyMichael Gambon
Bertie, Prince of WalesEddie Izzard
Baroness ChurchillOlivia Williams
Sir Henry PonsonbyTim Pigott-Smith
Miss PhippsFenella Woolgar
Mr PucciniSimon Callow
Alick YorkeJulian Wadham
MohammedAdeel Akhtar

Crew

rolename
DirectorStephen Frears

Details

Theatrical distributor
Universal
Released on
2017-09-15
Languages
English | Arabic | Hindi | Italian | Urdu
Guidance
Some swearing
Available on
DVD
Formats
Colour
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