Victoria and Abdul
Focus Features | Release Date: September 22, 2017
6.0
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Mixed or average reviews based on 74 Ratings
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34
Mixed:
30
Negative:
10
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
6
GreatMartinSep 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
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7
Brent_MarchantSep 30, 2017
A breezy, endearing tale of a most unusual friendship between unlikely companions, delightfully portrayed by Judi Dench and Ali Fazal in the title roles. Though somewhat slight in substance and likely tinged with more than a littleA breezy, endearing tale of a most unusual friendship between unlikely companions, delightfully portrayed by Judi Dench and Ali Fazal in the title roles. Though somewhat slight in substance and likely tinged with more than a little present-day political correctness, the film nevertheless serves up an eminently entertaining story about the forging of a bond between diversely focused parties. Sweet, funny and enjoyable, even if a bit suspect historically speaking.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
oldcootNov 5, 2017
Nicely done. Judi Densch is her usual great self -- totally in the role. Ali Fazal turns in a very respectable performance. Engaging story that draws you in more and more as it progresses.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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6
TVJerryOct 9, 2017
Judi Dench turns in another fine performance as Queen Victoria in her later years. The regent has become rather bored with life until she meets a young man from India (Ali Fazal). Their close relationship brightens her outlook, stimulates newJudi Dench turns in another fine performance as Queen Victoria in her later years. The regent has become rather bored with life until she meets a young man from India (Ali Fazal). Their close relationship brightens her outlook, stimulates new learning opportunities and opens her mind, while enraging the rest of her traditional household. The film features the expected visual splendor and stiff British traditions that we expect from these period dramas, but it's lacking a real emotional bond (between the duo or between the audience and the filmmaker). It's light and entertaining, but lacks any originality in the writing or much depth in the relationships. An interesting historical footnote… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
sanyrubFeb 27, 2018
Very enjoyable film with a lot of amusing moments and also great acting pieces from Judi Dench (as always). A light watch for any type of day really. Recommendable.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
GinaKNov 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 inI 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
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9
alejandro970Aug 14, 2020
Set in the final years of Queen Victoria's reign, it focuses on her unusual friendship with a Hindu merchant who became her teacher, spiritual guide, and confidant. Judi Dench proves once that those roles fit her. The plot cannot avoid theSet in the final years of Queen Victoria's reign, it focuses on her unusual friendship with a Hindu merchant who became her teacher, spiritual guide, and confidant. Judi Dench proves once that those roles fit her. The plot cannot avoid the impression that it is not a scoop but still the viewer comes out more than pleased.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
qJan 31, 2018
"Victoria and Abdul" told an interesting historical story in an entertaining way. The actress who played the queen did a splendid job, and the actor who played the young servant from India gave a respectable performance. Costumes and"Victoria and Abdul" told an interesting historical story in an entertaining way. The actress who played the queen did a splendid job, and the actor who played the young servant from India gave a respectable performance. Costumes and scenery represented the Victorian time period well. I wish this movie had received greater distribution among movie theaters, which seem preoccupied with devoting screen time primarily to films that are mediocre at best.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
JLuis_001Nov 11, 2017
A weak narrative compensated by Judi Dench's talent. Regardless of whether if the story it's telling is historically true, in the end the film works enough to make an impression but very little to be a resonant.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
FedorkoNov 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 whenWhat 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
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10
meydianarizki21Nov 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. AThe 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
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1
RyanHerofTimeJan 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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10
NGJ747Apr 7, 2020
It is a good movie I need 75 characters so hhhehenevusbdgejebdgehdndveegjshe
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
DawdlingPoetNov 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 playsI 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
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