The New Republic by Stanley Kauffmann

The film's authority rests first and finally on the two actors in the leading roles. They are utterly reassuring. [4 August 1997, p. 26]

ReelViews by James Berardinelli

Mrs. Brown will delight and touch any viewer who seeks it out.

Chicago Sun-Times by Roger Ebert

A love story about two strong-willed people who find exhilaration in testing each other. It is not about sexual love, or even romantic love, really, but about that kind of love based on challenge and fascination.

The New York Times by Janet Maslin

Queen Victoria is played with splendid regal grace by Judi Dench.

Empire

Before you know it, you're caught up in a difficult but touching friendship, and enjoying a history lesson more than you ever thought possible.

The New York Times by Elvis Mitchell

Queen Victoria is played with splendid regal grace by Judi Dench.

Los Angeles Times by Kenneth Turan

Their personality types match up splendidly with the characters they play as well as each other, and Mrs. Brown's greatest pleasure is seeing and hearing them spar. Even with the gloves on, this is a battle well worth observing.

Washington Post by Rita Kempley

Classy fare, with posh settings, gorgeous scenery and lots and lots of polishing from director John Madden ("Ethan Frome") and writer Jeremy Brock.

Chicago Reader by Lisa Alspector

Director John Madden calmly dissects the emotions of a woman whose personal life is effectively nonexistent.

Variety by Emanuel Levy

Though there are a number of outdoor scenes and production values are handsome, ultimately it's the narrow focus and chamber nature of the material that lends the movie its resonance and emotional power.

Newsweek by David Ansen

This true story, deftly embellished by writer Jeremy Brock and directed at a bracing English trot by John Madden, is a splendid showcase for its three superb leads. [28 July, 1997, p. 69]

Empire by Darren Bignell

Before you know it, you're caught up in a difficult but touching friendship, and enjoying a history lesson more than you ever thought possible.

The Globe and Mail (Toronto) by Liam Lacey

Mrs. Brown will not overturn Queen Victoria's prim reputation, but it reminds us that there was more to the woman than that famous plump cameo that has become the symbol of a more modest era.

Austin Chronicle by Russell Smith

Assuming that rich human insight, great production values, and topnotch acting still count for something, Mrs. Brown should have no trouble finding an appreciative audience.

Entertainment Weekly by Owen Gleiberman

Elegant yet surprisingly remote royal-court drama.

The A.V. Club

There's really no bad performance by the great English actress Judi Dench, but this romanticized Victorian historical drama treads close.

L.A. Weekly by Ella Taylor

Despite its Scottish scenery and period frocks, Madden's film proves a pallid creature indeed compared to the hanky-panky leaking out of Buckingham Palace of late.