Mrs. Henderson
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Review #29 of 365
Film: Mrs. Henderson Presents [R] 103 minutes
WIP: $12.50
When 1st Seen: 8 February 2006
Where Viewed: United Artists Village 4, Boulder, CO
Time: 7:40 p.m.
Review Dedicated to: LS of MN
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DVD | soundtrack |
In limited release until recently so that it could qualify for Academy Awards®, Mrs. Henderson Presents has finally reached a wider release so that people who have heard the great buzz, such as that surrounding Dame Judi Dench’s nomination for Best Actress for her role in this film, can finally see this film. With an R-rating and an independent film appeal, it is a shame this movie may not command more viewership, as it is a very, very good film. Featuring a recently widowed, Mrs. Henderson (Judi Dench), as she learns to cope with the loss of her only son and, more recently, her husband by opening a theatre just before the worst of WWII breaks out in London, the film is as much about how to live life to the fullest as it is about learning to appreciate all the beauty that exists in our daily lives for as long as we have live. The spark of the story comes from her tenacity. She never backs down from one of her passions whether rightly or wrongly and, by no means, is she even close to perfect. In fact, she has a lot to learn even at her stately age of 80. This she knows, however, and it only serves to further encourage her to take risks and really shake things up in the London Theater scene. She does this by purchasing a broken down theatre and hiring Vivian Van Damm (Bob Hoskins) to run it and produce a musical review with a daring new edge. As it happens, the revue begins to play an important role in the morale of Londoners with an impending threat of a Luftwaffe strike always in the backdrop.
Throughout the film, Mrs. Henderson shows extraordinary courage, strength, and determination. No doubt her growth and work ethic become a guiding principle within her sphere of influence for years to come. In addition, the on-screen chemistry between Hoskins’ character and Dench’s character was most memorable. Director Stephen Frears did an outstanding job of bringing 1940-London to the screen, directing this great film along with the musical within the story, and capturing the dynamism of Mrs. Henderson herself. Indeed, there are some visually breathtaking scenes—notably Mrs. Henderson on the rooftop of the theater at sunset. Excellent writing, acting, and directing make for a real gem of a film. I was inspired and uplifted. I hope people who really love inspirational period pieces will take the time to seek this film out and give it the audience it richly deserves.
This poster and many others along with film cells etc. now available. Click to be directed to this poster and other items from the film ready for purchase.
Now Available for Purchase on DVD
Mrs. Henderson Presents [DVD] (2005) DVD
Mrs. Henderson Presents (Widescreen Version) [DVD] (2005) DVD
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