The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie

Jean Brodie is a character that's simultaneously sympathetic and admirable as well as frustrating and somewhat repugnant. It's a combination that's very hard to execute convincingly, and all credit should go to Maggie Smith who creates a very compelling and nuanced character. Striking a balance between comedy and drama, it's a very enjoyable character study.

Well. It's certainly very good, script, actor and director working to create a memorable character in Jean Brodie. It's hard to know what to think, which is what the film wants, I believe. Certainly needs a watch.

a very ambiguous character wonderfully acted by Maggie Smith...

Maggie Smith is pretty brilliant here. Nothing else about this really wowed me, but I enjoyed watching it.

Maggie Smith is impressive in this: insightful, tender, hilarious and always standing still. A once in a lifetime, flawed character for her in a witty film by Neame that falls in interest whenever Smith is not on focus.

The best performance by a film actress I have ever seen. Whoever cast Maggie Smith as Miss Jean Brodie was a genius. Pamela Franklin was excellent as well. The story itself is ho-hum, but I love to watch it just to see Smith play the one and only Miss Jean Brodie.

When I read the description of this, I was expecting one of those movies about a great, unorthodox teacher who butts heads with a stodgy school. That is very much not what this is, and it's much better for it. Smith is perfect in her well-deserved Oscar winning role and the supporting cast shines as well. All kinds of depth and complexity while staying very entertaining throughout. A great film and very pleasant surprise.

Often excellent character drama with no clear hero, let down a bit by overstating the conflicts, especially in the far too lengthy final scenes. But Smith is incredible.

great performance from Smith but the goings on at a 1930's Scottish school held little interest

A period classic, expertly acted, with a few steps into the camp camp.

Classic.

Stagy but engrossing period piece dominated by a superb performance by the always watchable Maggie Smith.