Mrs Henderson Presents [2005] [DVD]

Mrs Henderson Presents is an amazing film which I have now come back to for the third time, and with just as much pleasure. Judi Dench is wonderfully funny as the larger-than-life Mrs Henderson who nevertheless remains very human and moving, ultimately. Right from the start you realise that the film operates on several levels, even though the surface is quite 'jolly' with much Carry On-style humour got in ... but at the same time there is a sense of life's harshness, both in Mrs Henderson's bereavement at the beginning, and the hardships of the Blitz. I think it has been a bit overlooked how deftly the film covers these things, and others, to present a wide-ranging picture of life in which the indomitable human spirit is shown as the key to getting through these events, even as characters are aware of the inescapable sadness of life as well. Meanwhile the banter between Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins continues in a priceless vein throughout - it is rare to see all these things so vividly captured in one film, with musical numbers on stage caught with an appealing lack of the slickness that can characterise the genre. It deserves to be as well-known as Cabaret - better-known, even!

Over 100 reviews in, and almost 75% of 5 stars it is hard to find anything original to say beyond another 5 stars from me. Stephen Frears' comments re his casting choices are interesting and the outcome is spectacular. His quest for authenticity resulted in some unusual selections such as Will Young (nationally famous, but an unknown to me) and dancers 'without the modern gym body', bold choices, but wise ones. Much easier to understand his selections for the principal roles, Judi Dench being in particularly sparky form and nominated for Oscar, BAFTA, and Golden Globe awards for this part. Bob Hoskins her reliable foil, and Christopher Guest nicely understated in his performance as Lord Cromer. There are numerous musical numbers, which may make or destroy the film, according to your taste. I have no knowledge of how authentic the recreations may have been, but they worked for me although not usually my sort of thing. I only expected to half-like this, but am glad to say it is very good.

Many have reviewed this film negatively. Take it for what it is, an easy-going film, that tells a wonderful story, and leaves you in a good mood. Dench and Hoskins do a superb job, bringing the story to life. The costumes, sometimes lack of them on stage, take you back to another era. For about £3, it is great value.

I watched this programme on television some years ago, and was entranced from beginning to end. The performances of Judy Dench and Bob Hoskins were so mesmerising that the time simply flew past, and before I knew it, the film was ending. Finally I treated myself to the DVD, and was again transported out of this world and into another one. Fabulous, mesmerising, enchanting are just some of the reasons for owning this DVD.

I searched out this film after discovering my late mother was one of the fan dancers at the Windmill Theatre and really didn't know anything about the theatre or what it was all about. Excellent story, excellent acting and even my children enjoyed it. Its the kind of true British story that makes you feel proud to come from these often miserable shores!

Loving the film and then the recording went very bad trouble with tape

As always, Judy Dench is magnificent. Bob Hoskins' performance is also superb. The film manages to combine both great humour and the devastation caused by war in a way that makes for compelling viewing. The fact that it is based on real events makes it all the more fascinating.

Enjoyable and easy to watch film with a great cast.

I didn't dislike any of it, watched it twice and laughed just as muchs the second time. If anyone hasn't seen it, do yourself a favour and buy it.

We bought this movie at the recommendation of a Londonwalks tour guide(neat outfit, highly recommend, btw) , after she happened to mention it during a walking tour that included Picadilly Circus. Her story intrigued us, so I ordered it when we got back. What a fantastic movie! Judi Dench plays to perfection , Bob Hoskins is easily her equal, and I knew nothing of Will Young, but looked him up after the movie and will be buying some of his CDs. Speaking of which, I have already ordered and received the fabulous soundtrack for this movie. Soundtrack is ten thumbs up, as well. Basic premise of the movie is that, a few years before WWII, giddy, bored, upper crust widow Dench buys a theatre on a whim, and hires Hoskins to manage it. When attendance goes south, she surprises society by incorporating nudity in her show, her ostensible reason being that Paris has the Moulin Rouge, and a stellar world city like London ought to have the same. Her real reason, of course, is surprisingly far more personal, and she is far less giddy than she lets on. Be forewarned that there is a lot of nudity in this movie, but it is very tastefully done, since it is done in the same conventions as the era. My movie rule of thumb is, "would I watch this with my 73 year old dad?" Not only would I watch it with them, I've been begging my folks to watch it. They would love it. The nudity is incidental, yet integral to the story. There's not really much plot to the movie, but it moves along at a good pace, there's a few tearjerking moments, the art, choreography, singing, dance, and costumes are A+, and if nothing else, it's worth it to watch Dame Judy Dench charm, rather than chew, her way through the part. She gets lovelier the older she gets, and she just lights up the screen in this period piece. Oh, why can't all movies be this surprisingly good?

It takes a little while to figure out the protagonist's motivation here, but honestly, have you ever seen a Judi Dench performance that didn't completely suck you in? She's FANTASTIC here! And Bob Hoskins is not far behind, the most sensitive I think I've ever seen him. Period pieces are my absolute favorite, and this one sings, literally (the music throughout is perfect, sometimes soaring). Mrs. Henderson, a recent widow, buys a theatre in pre-WWII London seemingly on a whim, and hires comely young girls to populate its stage and eventually to shed their clothes... unheard of in 30's British society of course. The turning point for me came during an impromptu visit to her son's gravesite in France (the victim of a WWI gas attack). Touching, profound, revealing! An absolute GEM of a movie, wonderfully filmed, wonderfully written... BUY IT!

Judi Dench et toute la compagnie en excellente forme dans un film extravagant!

Solamente en blu-ray in España, con audio in Ingles! Fantastico!