VICTORIA & ABDUL (2017) Review
Directed by Stephen Frears
From the trailers and publicity materials, it already have that pleasant look. A look that would seem to charm its audience. And it did. Victoria and Abdul delivered what is probably one of the most adorable stories of a friendship in cinema.
Starring the veteran Judi Dench and Ali Fazal, Victoria & Abdul tells the story of Queen Victoria in her late years when she was doing what she’s doing all her life but everything changes when an Indian clerk named Abdul arrives in her life.
The film’s focus on the unlikely friendship of Victoria & Abdul is what you expected and wanted from it. There’s so much joy and charm the two brings whenever they are together on screen. It’s a bittersweet story as the film is set in the 1880s. So the need to tell the death of the queen is vital in the story.
It may not be the freshest historical story there is, but Victoria & Abdul presents more than enough endearing moments that one cannot dismiss. It’s light, charming and funny and has two lovable characters that will make your heart hopeful and warm.
4 OUT OF 5 STARS
“Victoria & Abdul” is now showing exclusively at select Ayala Malls Cinemas, distributed by United International Pictures. Rated PG by the MTRCB.