The Young Victoria
In 1837 a daunting, but fulfilling, responsibility was given to the young eighteen year old Princess Victoria when she inherited the throne of Great Britain, upon the death of King William. Whereas most historical films tell the story of how a monarch or leader’s life began, and the path that it took up to their death, this film was unique by only covering Victoria’s early years. Written by Julian Fellowes, the Oscar-winning screenwriter of Gosford Park, The Young Victoria first shows Victoria as a child. Filmed in glamorous historical homes in England, we see her as a little girl who is kept hidden from the real world by her controlling mother, Victoire (Miranda Richardson).
It was Sarah, the Duchess of York and former member of the British Royal Family, who approached the Oscar-winning producer Graham King (The Departed) with the idea about Victoria’s early life. The real Victoria was strong-willed, especially in that period when women were meant to quiet and never speak out. Emily Blunt shows this feistiness perfectly, and makes Victoria seem like a modern-day lady before she becomes queen by being outgoing and full of fun, and turning into an intelligent woman when she is made the monarch. The coronation scene at Westminster Abbey marks the transition from a shy, young princess to a developing leader of the country.
When Victoria is a teenager (portrayed by an excellent Emily Blunt) she is taken to a ball, where the friendship of a charming and worldly cynic Lord Melbourne (Paul Bettany) is not enough to win her over. Instead she meets her cousin Albert (Rupert Friend), a young German prince, after her mother suggest that he pays her a visit. Victoria and Albert soon become friends when they find out that they have a lot in common, especially with their prejudiced advisors. Struck by how sincere he is, and with their courtship being suggested by Rupert’s uncle, King Leopold of Belgium, Victoria soon falls in love with him. Rupert Friend as Prince Albert comes across as caring, intelligent and aware of how the queen’s new responsibilities may be overwhelming, but he has the confidence in her fulfilling the role.
I particularly liked how in this film Emily Blunt played Victoria as a strong woman who stands up to anyone who tries to force their opinions on her, the information about certain figures and events in scenes that were given, and how the film moved at a good pace to keep the viewer engaged. The extravagant costumes, lavish locations and beautifully-landscaped gardens— all with excellent cinematography—make The Young Victoria very impressive. I was not only entertained, but informed, by this film that highlighted this lesser known part of Queen Victoria’s life, and how she began her role as the first constitutional and longest-reigning monarch of Great Britain.
The Young Victoria • Dolby® Digital surround sound in select theatres • Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 • Running Time: 100 minutes • MPAA Rating: PG for some mild sensuality, a scene of violence, and brief incidental language and smoking. • Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures