Victoria and Abdul

Name: Victoria and Abdul
Genre: Biography, Drama, History
Released: September 22, 2017
Duration: 111 min
Rating: 58
Cast: Adeel Akhtar, Ali Fazal, Eddie Izzard, Fenella Woolgar, Judi Dench

2017

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Mixed or average reviews based on 35 Critic Reviews

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Mixed or average reviews based on 74 Ratings

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6.0	User Score Mixed or average reviews based on 74 Ratings

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Victoria And Abdul: The Munshi

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Movie Details & Credits

Focus Features | Release Date: September 22, 2017 | PG-13

Starring: Adeel Akhtar, Ali Fazal, Eddie Izzard, Fenella Woolgar, Judi Dench, Julian Wadham, Michael Gambon, Olivia Williams, Paul Higgins, Simon Callow, Tim Pigott-Smith

Summary: The extraordinary true story of an unlikely friendship in the later years of Queen Victoria's (Judi Dench) remarkable rule. When Abdul Karim (Ali Fazal), a young clerk, travels from India to participate in the Queen's Golden Jubilee, he is surprised to find favor with the Queen herself. As the Queen questions the constrictions of herThe extraordinary true story of an unlikely friendship in the later years of Queen Victoria's (Judi Dench) remarkable rule. When Abdul Karim (Ali Fazal), a young clerk, travels from India to participate in the Queen's Golden Jubilee, he is surprised to find favor with the Queen herself. As the Queen questions the constrictions of her long-held position, the two forge an unlikely and devoted alliance with a loyalty to one another that her household and inner circle all attempt to destroy. As the friendship deepens, the Queen begins to see a changing world through new eyes and joyfully reclaims her humanity.
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Director: Stephen Frears

Genre(s): Biography, Drama, History

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 111 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Rex Reed

Sep 27, 2017

Judi Dench can do no wrong, and playing Queen Victoria for the second time in the richly satisfying Victoria and Abdul is an acting lesson par excellence that proves how rapturous it is to watch this great artist do everything right. Read full review

Empire Dan Jolin

Sep 11, 2017

A sorta-sequel to Mrs Brown deals effectively with another of Queen Victoria’s unconventional friendships and reprises Judi Dench’s powerful and unparalleled portrayal. Read full review

Gary Thompson

Sep 28, 2017

Victoria & Abdul, though, is Dench’s show. She wrings dignity and humanity (and a good deal of comedy) from Lee Hall’s broadly drawn scenario, much as she did in this movie’s cross-cultural bookend, "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel." Read full review

Peter Travers

Sep 21, 2017

Lucky for us, Dench and Frears pick up the slack and turn slim pickings into a fun time at the movies. But Victoria & Abdul could have been oh so much more. Read full review

Jonathan Romney

Sep 16, 2017

The film’s lavish production values and a comic register more impish than truly acerbic makes this a surprisingly cosy piece of luxury heritage cinema. Read full review

Marjorie Baumgarten

Oct 4, 2017

As pleasantly amusing as Victoria & Abdul is, the film is really little more than another showcase for Judi Dench’s reigning talent. Read full review

John Bleasdale

Sep 16, 2017

It is difficult to work out what to dislike most about Victoria and Abdul: the literal foot-licking or the cliché-ridden plot, but the greatest shame is the waste of a genuinely fascinating piece of history and a world-class Judi Dench performance. Read full review

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User Reviews

meydianarizki21

Nov 2, 2020

The first thing anyone will say after watching this movie is how utterly amazing Judi Dench is, and rightly so, she ones again dons the robes of Queen Victoria and gives a commanding performance as one of the most famous monarchs. A performance worthy of an Oscar, she is an actress withThe first thing anyone will say after watching this movie is how utterly amazing Judi Dench is, and rightly so, she ones again dons the robes of Queen Victoria and gives a commanding performance as one of the most famous monarchs. A performance worthy of an Oscar, she is an actress with unrivalled talent. This film is so much more then Dench's performance, spellbinding though it was.

Ali Fazal, also worthy of accolades and awards, for his superb performance as Indian servant Abdul Karim. His performance is actually rather captivating, The Queen was taken under his spell and as a viewer so was I. Such an intriguing, fascinating character, probably unlike any other man she'd ever encountered.

Superb production values throughout, the film was visually dazzling, sumptuous settings, jaw dropping costumes, this was a treat for the senses.

A film is meant to move, and allow for escapism, when it can educate as well, it's worth of the elevated sore of 10/10.

Absolutely loved it.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

NGJ747

Apr 7, 2020

It is a good movie I need 75 characters so hhhehenevusbdgejebdgehdndveegjshe

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

DawdlingPoet

Nov 20, 2021

I really enjoyed this film, with Judi Dench playing the titular queen, being very self assured and deciding to do things that surprise and astound other members of the royal household staff, much to my amusement. Meanwhile, Ali Fazal plays Abdul - someone who seems rather humble andI really enjoyed this film, with Judi Dench playing the titular queen, being very self assured and deciding to do things that surprise and astound other members of the royal household staff, much to my amusement. Meanwhile, Ali Fazal plays Abdul - someone who seems rather humble and initially is less than impressed at the prospect of having to travel, to present the queen with a coin at an official ceremony. I thought it was charming how the friendship between the two of them developed, seeing the curiosity and interest in the queen towards learning more about Abduls culture, the food and teachings of India etc. There is some pretty good cinematography, with various landscape panoramas shown during the characters travels, both within and outwith the UK. The pure lavishness of their surroundings is something to see, if nothing else.

Cast wise, I also liked Eddie Izzard, who plays Bertie, Prince of Wales - he doesn't think a great deal of the new found friendship Victoria finds. I also found it amusing when Puccini (played by Simon Callow) was present.

I believe this film is based on a true story, which made it all the more interesting to me and I know I really enjoyed another similar film, which also stars Judi Dench as Queen Victoria. A film called Mrs Brown, in which Billy Connolly plays John Brown. Coincidentally, Brown is referenced in this film. I do think Judi Dench does do particularly well at portraying the forthright queen. Of course there is undoubtedly a racist element, with the indian colonisation side of things - there are some cringe-y moments with members of royal household staff making some very unfair judgements and rude comments, somewhat unsurprisingly given the circumstances of the plot. Watching it, I felt more keen on queen Victoria for how she responded - I'll say no more so as not to provide any spoilers.

I would very much recommend this film as a period drama which is based on a true story, yes.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

GinaK

Nov 9, 2017

I am on the fence about whether to give this film a high yellow grade or a low green, and will go with the latter. It’s not a dull film, but as I watched it, I kept feeling that it should have been better/smarter. The most winning actor in the film (dare I say this in front of Judi DenchI am on the fence about whether to give this film a high yellow grade or a low green, and will go with the latter. It’s not a dull film, but as I watched it, I kept feeling that it should have been better/smarter. The most winning actor in the film (dare I say this in front of Judi Dench fans?) was Ali Fazal who was always animated and fun to watch. Judi Dench was not at her best (perhaps she is bored with playing Victoria?), but even then, she was always a lively presence on screen (even when dying). Also outstanding were Eddie Izzard as “Bertie” who is Victoria’s heir – although not as all as fat or unpleasant as the “real” Bertie who died soon after inheriting the throne. Also outstanding as always were Michael Gambon, Simon Callow (as the opera composer “Mr.” Puccini) and Olivia Williams who was so great (and archly slimy) in Polanski’s wonderful film The Ghost Writer.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Fedorko

Nov 14, 2017

What the heck was this movie? The unawareness of this movie's tone left me confused but thoroughly entertained. I liked the movie, but don't know if I liked it for the right reasons. The moments the movie wanted me to laugh, I did. But when they wanted me to be serious about the movie, IWhat the heck was this movie? The unawareness of this movie's tone left me confused but thoroughly entertained. I liked the movie, but don't know if I liked it for the right reasons. The moments the movie wanted me to laugh, I did. But when they wanted me to be serious about the movie, I still laughed. I would give the movie a 6 because of this, but Judy Dench's performance was just so damn good that I have to upgrade it to a 7. Go see this movie, you'll be surprised by it.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

GreatMartin

Sep 30, 2017

Judi Dench is excellent but the movie is only so-so. Cinemaphotography outdoors is striking.
Ali Fazal shows potential but really doesn't have a 'showcase' moment

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

RyanHerofTime

Jan 13, 2020

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Spiolers' Victoria and Abdul is an ok film. Historically wrong. It makes King Edward VII a Villian. The Ending is Hollywood Trash. The did not Exile him back to India. He was dismissed. He was allowed at the funeral. the movie makes it like He was not allowed. Judi Dench is excellent. It is a bit AntiBritish. It should be taken with salt when watching this film… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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