Endearing historical drama in which, on the sole basis of
being tall and handsome, a 24-year-old prison clerk (Ali Fazal) in Agra, India,
is chosen to present a ceremonial coin to Queen Victoria (Judi Dench) during
her 1887 golden jubilee. After a four-month journey in the company of a grouchy
fellow countryman (Adeel Akhtar), he flouts protocol by making eye contact with
the sovereign. Victoria is sufficiently charmed to make him first her servant,
then her secretary and finally her instructor in Urdu. But the closer their
relationship grows, the more antagonism the royal household, led by the queen's
eldest son and heir, Bertie (Eddie Izzard), unleashes on the newcomer. Director
Stephen Frears' adaptation of Shrabani Basu's book celebrates friendship,
openness, tolerance and respect for those from different backgrounds. Possibly
acceptable for older adolescents.
Watch out for: A couple of
uses of profanity, at least one milder oath and about a half-dozen crude and a
pair of crass terms.
Rated: A-III, adults; MPAA:
PG-13
© Arlington Catholic Herald 2017