It's easy for me to recommend this movie just for the simple fact that Dame Judi Dench is playing the role of Queen Victoria here. As the cantankerous Queen of the United Kingdom and the Empress of India, Dench is absolutely a delight to watch on screen. There is quite a bit of fun to see Judi Dench exert her authority over everybody, but at the same time look somewhat bored in doing so. She's not always angry and yelling at people here though, as there are brilliant quiet scenes where she gets to show her more gentler side, that should hit you on the emotional level.
If Dame Judi Dench is not enough, then let me introduce you to Ali Fazal as Abdul Karim. A general nobody in India, to accidentally becoming a teacher for the Queen. Fazal absolutely owns the role, and is quite the scene-stealer. He is charming in many ways, and also in how he seems to be genuinely happy at being able to stay at the Royal palace, and to serve the Queen. There is that certain innocence that Al Fazal is able to relay to us that is just enjoyable to see. Abdul Karim does share the narrative of this story with Queen Victoria, but the moments we see the story play out through his eyes are pretty entertaining.
As for the story itself, although it is based on historical facts, the movie itself admits that it takes a lot of liberties. Some movie goers will take issue with how the Queen is portrayed in certain aspects, as well as Abdul Karim for that matter. As Directed by Stephen Frears, there is a specific type of story that he wants to tell here, and he isn't afraid to distort the truth a little bit in service of the movie, and of the characters. I admit that I myself had issues with certain plot points and character portrayals in the story, but I was able to look past the faults for the strength of what I was being shown.
The movie tackles the friendship between the Queen and Abdul in a very nice way, and is at the heart of this story. I liked how the movie touched on the topics about the cultural differences, the systematic ways of how people are suppose to behave around the Queen, the push and pull between the Royal household and the Queen, plus of course the topic of racism. This movie covers a good amount of themes, and while it wasn't all perfect, I will have to say that it was to the betterment of the movie. It's also highly amusing in many different ways, and that also helps makes it really entertaining to watch "Victoria and Abdul."
lovedit ENJOYED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible
