Judi Dench’s Best Roles

Dame Judi Dench is a true icon of the stage and screen whose incredible career has cemented her status as one of Britain’s most treasured actors. She began her professional life as a celebrated theatre performer specializing in the works of Shakespeare and earning widespread acclaim for her powerful interpretations of classical roles. For many years her primary focus was the stage but she later achieved international film stardom at an age when many actors see their opportunities begin to decline. Her remarkable talent allows her to convey a profound depth of emotion with just a single look or a subtle gesture.

Throughout her journey in film and television Dench has played an astonishing variety of characters from formidable monarchs and stern matriarchs to vulnerable women searching for answers. She is beloved for her sharp wit her emotional honesty and the commanding presence she brings to every role no matter the size. This list celebrates a selection of her most memorable and acclaimed performances which demonstrate the extraordinary range and enduring appeal that have made her a living legend in the world of acting.

‘Iris’ (2001)

Judi Dench portrays the celebrated British novelist and philosopher Iris Murdoch in this biographical drama. The film explores two different periods of Murdoch’s life showing her as a vibrant and brilliant young woman and later as an older woman grappling with the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s disease. Dench plays the elder Iris depicting her gradual descent into the illness and the profound impact it has on her relationship with her devoted husband John Bayley.

The film is based on John Bayley’s memoirs about his life with Murdoch. Dench’s performance was widely praised for its sensitive and heartbreaking portrayal of the author’s struggle. The role of the younger Iris was played by Kate Winslet and both actresses received Academy Award nominations for their work in the film. The story is a touching tribute to a great literary mind and a powerful exploration of love memory and loss.

‘Mrs. Henderson Presents’ (2005)

In this film based on a true story Dench plays Laura Henderson an eccentric and wealthy widow in 1930s London. Seeking a new hobby after her husband’s death she buys the derelict Windmill Theatre and with the help of manager Vivian Van Damm turns it into a great success. When the threat of war looms and audience numbers dwindle she makes the scandalous decision to feature nude performers in her stage show to boost attendance which challenges the censors and social conventions of the time.

The story is a charming and witty look at an unusual chapter of British theatre history. The real Windmill Theatre in London became famous for its static nude tableaus which were deemed artistic and managed to circumvent censorship laws. It also gained notoriety for never closing its doors during the Blitz. Dench’s performance captures the spirit of a determined and unconventional woman who defied expectations.

‘Shakespeare in Love’ (1998)

Judi Dench takes on the role of Queen Elizabeth I in this romantic comedy. Although she appears on screen for only a few minutes her performance is incredibly memorable and impactful. As the shrewd and imposing monarch she serves as a patron of the arts and a powerful figure who ultimately judges a wager about whether a play can truly show the nature of love. Her character is a formidable presence who observes the unfolding drama with a mix of wit and authority.

Despite her limited screen time Dench’s commanding performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. The film imagines a fictional love affair between playwright William Shakespeare and a young noblewoman named Viola de Lesseps which inspires him to write ‘Romeo and Juliet’. The movie was a critical and commercial success celebrated for its clever script and wonderful ensemble cast.

‘Mrs Brown’ (1997)

Dench stars as Queen Victoria in a film that explores the monarch’s deep depression following the death of her husband Prince Albert. The story focuses on her close and controversial relationship with a Scottish servant named John Brown who is brought to court to help the queen cope with her grief. His unconventional and direct manner initially shocks the royal household but he eventually coaxes Victoria out of her seclusion which sparks rumors and a national scandal.

This film was originally produced for television but was so well received that it was given a theatrical release. The role elevated Dench to international film stardom and earned her her first Academy Award nomination. The movie offers an intimate look at a monarch’s private life showing a more vulnerable and human side to the famously stoic queen. It was praised for its strong performances and its compelling historical narrative.

‘GoldenEye’ (1995)

This film marked Judi Dench’s first appearance as M the formidable head of the British Secret Intelligence Service MI6. Her casting represented a significant update to the James Bond series as the character had previously been played by male actors. This new M is a modern and authoritative leader who is unafraid to challenge Bond calling him a sexist misogynist dinosaur and a relic of the Cold War. She establishes herself as a tough and no-nonsense boss who commands respect.

The introduction of a female M was reportedly inspired by Stella Rimington who became the real-life head of MI5 in 1992. Dench’s portrayal brought a fresh dynamic to the series and her sharp and witty interactions with James Bond became a highlight for many viewers. Her debut in ‘GoldenEye’ set the stage for a character who would become a central figure in the franchise for nearly two decades.

‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ (2011)

In this heartwarming comedy-drama Dench plays Evelyn Greenslade a recently widowed woman who is forced to sell her home to cover her late husband’s debts. Seeking a more affordable and adventurous retirement she decides to move to what she believes is a luxurious new retirement hotel in India. Along with a group of other British retirees she discovers the hotel is not what was advertised but she embraces the new experience with an open mind and a willingness to start over.

The film features an ensemble cast of celebrated veteran British actors. The story is based on the 2004 novel ‘These Foolish Things’ by Deborah Moggach. It explores themes of aging and second chances as the characters adapt to a new culture and confront their pasts. The movie was a surprise box office hit and its success led to a sequel which reunited the popular cast.

‘Belfast’ (2021)

Dench portrays Granny the warm and witty grandmother of a young boy named Buddy whose childhood is upended by the outbreak of conflict in 1960s Northern Ireland. From the perspective of Buddy the film shows how his tight-knit Protestant family’s life is changed forever by the growing turmoil. Granny provides love stability and wisdom as her son and daughter-in-law face the difficult decision of whether to leave their home for a safer life elsewhere.

This semi-autobiographical film was written and directed by Kenneth Branagh and is based on his own childhood experiences in Belfast. The movie is shot primarily in black and white and was praised for its heartfelt story and strong performances. Dench earned another Academy Award nomination for her supporting role as the family’s compassionate matriarch who is deeply connected to the city she calls home.

‘Chocolat’ (2000)

Dench plays Armande Voizin a cranky and fiercely independent elderly woman living in a tranquil French village. Her estranged daughter is the overprotective and conservative mayor’s secretary who tries to control every aspect of her life. When a mysterious woman opens a chocolate shop during Lent Armande becomes one of her first and most loyal customers finding joy and a sense of liberation in the delicious treats which helps her reconnect with her grandson.

The film is a charming fable about temptation tolerance and the quiet rebellion against strict social norms. Dench’s character is a stubborn and free-spirited woman who refuses to let her age or her disapproving daughter dictate how she should live her life. Her storyline provides one of the movie’s most touching and poignant subplots as she finds happiness in her final days.

‘Notes on a Scandal’ (2006)

In this psychological thriller Judi Dench stars as Barbara Covett a cynical and deeply lonely history teacher at a London secondary school. When a charismatic new art teacher named Sheba Hart joins the staff Barbara quickly forms an obsessive friendship with her. After discovering that Sheba is having an affair with an underage student Barbara’s interest turns into a dangerous game of manipulation and blackmail as she uses the secret to gain control over Sheba’s life.

Dench’s performance was critically acclaimed earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. The film is based on the 2003 novel of the same name by Zoë Heller and is told from the perspective of Barbara through her diary entries. The story is a gripping examination of loneliness obsession and the dark side of human nature driven by two powerful central performances.

‘Philomena’ (2013)

Dench portrays Philomena Lee an Irish woman who spent decades searching for the son she was forced to give up for adoption as a teenager in a convent. The film follows her as she teams up with a cynical and recently disgraced journalist to uncover the truth about what happened to her child. Their journey takes them from Ireland to the United States as they navigate a trail of secrets and deception while forming an unlikely friendship.

The film is based on the 2009 book ‘The Lost Child of Philomena Lee’ by journalist Martin Sixsmith who is the other main character in the story. Dench’s portrayal of the real-life Philomena was celebrated for its warmth humor and emotional depth earning her another nomination for the Best Actress Oscar. The movie is both a heartbreaking drama and a witty comedy that shines a light on a dark chapter of Irish history.

‘Pride & Prejudice’ (2005)

Dench plays the formidable and aristocratic Lady Catherine de Bourgh in this adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel. Lady Catherine is the wealthy and domineering aunt of the aloof Mr. Darcy and she is determined to see him marry her own daughter. When she learns of a possible attachment between Darcy and the spirited Elizabeth Bennet she travels to confront Elizabeth in a memorable scene intending to intimidate her into rejecting any proposal from him.

Although her character only appears in a few scenes her presence is powerful and commanding. The film’s director Joe Wright reportedly wrote Dench a letter asking her to be in the movie and signed it “I love you” to persuade her to take the part. Her interpretation of the character is imperious and condescending perfectly capturing the arrogance of the upper classes that the novel critiques.

‘Skyfall’ (2012)

Judi Dench’s role as M is more central in this James Bond film than in any other installment. When MI6’s headquarters are attacked and agents’ identities are leaked M’s competence and leadership are called into question by the government. The main villain is a former agent who has a personal vendetta against her for betraying him years earlier. The story delves into M’s past forcing her to go on the run with Bond as they fight to save the agency.

The film was a massive critical and commercial success and it marked Dench’s final major appearance as the character she had played for seventeen years. The story provides a deeply personal and emotional arc for M culminating in a poignant and memorable conclusion to her tenure. It explores her complex maternal relationship with Bond and highlights the personal sacrifices required of those in the world of espionage.

‘Casino Royale’ (2006)

This film rebooted the James Bond series and featured Dench continuing in her role as M opposite a new actor playing the famous spy. The story follows Bond at the very beginning of his career as a 00 agent. M is initially skeptical of the newly promoted Bond seeing him as reckless and arrogant. Throughout his first major mission she monitors his progress closely and their professional relationship is tested as he learns the difficult lessons of his dangerous job.

Keeping Dench as M while recasting Bond provided a crucial element of continuity for the franchise. It allowed the series to start a new timeline while retaining a beloved and established character. Her presence grounds the film and her dynamic with the new Bond is a key part of the story’s success as she evolves from a skeptical boss to a trusted mentor.

‘As Time Goes By’ (1992–2005)

In this beloved British sitcom Judi Dench stars as Jean Pargetter a woman who is unexpectedly reunited with her former lover Lionel Hardcastle after 38 years apart. The two were separated by the Korean War and lost touch after a letter went astray. They meet again by chance when Lionel a coffee planter turned author hires Jean’s daughter as a freelance secretary. The series follows their rekindled romance as they navigate the ups and downs of getting back together in their later years.

The show was praised for its gentle humor and witty writing and for focusing on a mature romance which was a rarity on television. The wonderful chemistry between Dench and her co-star Geoffrey Palmer was the heart of the series. It became hugely popular not only in the United Kingdom but also in the United States where it gained a large and loyal following on public television.

‘Cranford’ (2007–2009)

Dench stars as Miss Matty Jenkyns one of the central figures in this television series adapted from three novels by Elizabeth Gaskell. The story is set in the 1840s in the small English village of Cranford which is populated by a community of mostly single and widowed women. These women live by a rigid set of social codes which are slowly challenged by the arrival of new residents and the looming changes brought by the Industrial Revolution.

The series features an outstanding ensemble cast of veteran actors and was celebrated for its warmth charm and high production values. Dench’s character Miss Matty is a kind and gentle soul who must navigate personal tragedy and financial hardship while upholding the town’s traditions. The series was a critical success and won several awards for its beautiful adaptation of the classic novels.

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