Victoria & Abdul
Thursday, October 5, 2017 10:51:51 PM | (Age Not Specified)
At the start of the film, “Victoria and Abdul”, there is a disclaimer: “Based on True Events, mostly”. This helped to set the mood of the film. Judi Dench, deserves an academy award for her fabulous acting, as angry, crotchety, obese, selfish, shrewd, Queen Victoria. She was leading a life of isolation, fear and distrust until Abdul Karim (Ali Fazil) enters her life. This lowly prison clerk was chosen to go to England to present the Queen with a commemorative coin (although in reality he was chosen to be an Attendant for a Year). The acting, costume design, cinematography and story line were all excellent. This is a captivating story of the bond that developed between Queen Victoria and Abdul Karim and how they learned so much from each other. There are the subplots of prejudices, racism, class divide, snobbery and elitism verses true friendship, respect and trust. Although the Queen learned that Abdul did not always tell her the truth about himself, she never doubted his dedication and desire to ensure her happiness, unlike the members of her family and household servants.