Victoria & Abdul (2017)
While the preview of Victoria & Abdul looks like a light comedy, it’s in fact a touching drama with a few comic situations thrown in. Based on the true story of Queen Victoria (played by Judi Dench) and her companion Abdul Karim (played by Ali Fazal), the movie starts during the festival commemorating her Golden Jubilee. In the grand tradition of eating for only as long as the monarch eats, Judi enjoys scarfing up her plate and watching as others struggle to keep up before the dishes get taken away. Ali has been hired as a waiter to help represent England’s Indian subjects during the Golden Jubilee, and even though he’s expressly been told not to make eye contact with the queen, he can’t resist.
Instead of getting reprimanded, Judi takes an interest in him. His youthful enthusiasm and uncontrollable emotions are intriguing to her, and the more they talk, the more they develop a deep friendship. There is some sorrow in the plot, as Ali is treated poorly by others in the court. Those who fear his influence over the queen try to break the friendship up, but time and again Judi and Ali prove that a connection of the heart is more important than any villainous force. And time and again, you’ll be reaching for your handkerchief to dab your eyes. This is a very heartwarming story, beautifully acted with lovely art direction and costumes. It’s always sad to see great acting ignored by the Academy. Both leads deserved nominations, as both were tour-de-force performances.
More Judi Dench movies here!
Instead of getting reprimanded, Judi takes an interest in him. His youthful enthusiasm and uncontrollable emotions are intriguing to her, and the more they talk, the more they develop a deep friendship. There is some sorrow in the plot, as Ali is treated poorly by others in the court. Those who fear his influence over the queen try to break the friendship up, but time and again Judi and Ali prove that a connection of the heart is more important than any villainous force. And time and again, you’ll be reaching for your handkerchief to dab your eyes. This is a very heartwarming story, beautifully acted with lovely art direction and costumes. It’s always sad to see great acting ignored by the Academy. Both leads deserved nominations, as both were tour-de-force performances.
More Judi Dench movies here!