The scenery, which mainly takes place in both Kensington and Buckingham Palaces, is breathtaking. The costumes are perfectly astounding, which makes this dramatic movie instantly comparable to anything that David Lean produced decades ago.
Whilst these things are essential to make a compelling and attractive movie, it’s the growing relationship between Victoria and Albert that keeps the audience enthralled. Emily Blunt was perfectly cast as the young Victoria and portrays the young princess’s frustrations and fears in ways that make the viewers want to cheer her as she faces down her opponents. Albert’s loving courtship and utter devotion to his future bride are utterly believable through Rupert Friend’s tremendous characterization.
The movie covers the early years of Victoria’s sixty three year reign and all of the political intrigue that occurred just before her coronation. The young princess is practically a recluse and prisoner in her mother’s home. She is used as a pawn between political foes and her ambitious relatives at home and abroad. Her uncle King William, remarkably played by Jim Broadbent, in the midst of his own spells of rancor and madness, tries to protect the young heir to the throne. His only wish is to live long enough for Victoria to reach the age of adulthood so that she will not be controlled by those around her.
In the midst of all this aristocratic skullduggery and Machiavellian machinations, young Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg comes into Victoria’s life and lovingly rescues her. It is Albert who makes Victoria strong by believing in her ability to successfully reign over her people. And it is this loving relationship which grows at a distance through the sharing of love letters that is beautifully portrayed in this film.
Some critics have panned the movie as being over-romantic and superficially sentimental. The audience that I experienced the movie with enjoyed the whole spectacle from start to finish. It’s a tear-jerker, but not what some would call a ‘chick flick.’ It’s an historical drama that brings to life the utter devotion and incredible love that Victoria and Albert shared.
If I was rating this movie, I would give it five stars for quality performances, historical settings, marvelous costumes, an excellent screenplay, and a wonderful ensemble of European actors. Miranda Richardson’s portrayal of Victoria’s mother and Paul Bettany’s charming and scheming Lord Melbourne are also highly commendable.
This remarkable movie's website can be found at http://theyoungvictoriamovie.com/
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