Mrs. Brown

(Miramax)

Jeremy Brock's intriguing period piece chronicles the reign of Queen Victoria (Judi Dench) following the death of her husband, Prince Albert. Comfort for the mourning monarch comes in the form of John Brown (Billy Connolly), a fiery Highlander called into the queen's service, where he quickly ascends to the post of her personal servant and most influential confidant. The acting by Dench and Connolly is superb, as is a droll Anthony Sher as prime minister Disraeli.