The Young Victoria

A coming-of-age story set in early 19th century England, Emily Blunt stars in the titular role as a young woman inheriting great power and responsibility. Soon to turn 18 and inherit the throne of England upon the death of her uncle, Princess Victoria has been under the manipulating control of her mother the Duchess of Kent (Miranda Kerr) and Sir John Conroy (Mark Strong). The King (Jim Broadbent) is intent on wrestling her away from their control, while the Prime Minister Lord Melbourne (Paul Bettany) is both a friend and a person seeking to influence her power.

These struggles to control and influence Victoria also include her suitor, Belgian Price Albert (Rupert Friend, who has an uncanny resemblance to Orlando Bloom), sent by his father King Leopold of Belgium (Thomas Kretschmann) to win England as an ally in Europe. But Albert falls completely for Victoria, with the two sensing in each other a strong will and desire to rule on their own terms. It is the progress of this relationship that forms the main focus of the story, as there are obstacles to overcome before they are able to form a family and rule together.

Emily Blunt is brilliant in the role of Victoria, displaying different shades of vulnerability and strength. Rupert Friend does well with a difficult role, growing from an uncertain pawn of his father to an assertive husband. It is as much his coming-of-age story as it is hers. Miranda Richardson gives a touching portrayal of a mother who loses her daughter in the pursuit of power, while Paul Bettany gives us a character we can like but not be entirely comfortable with at the same time.

The production and direction of the film are first class. Gorgeous gowns and sumptuous settings provide a beautiful and realistic backdrop, while the soundtrack of classical music of the period further adds to the impact of the film. The photography is quite intimate at times, with cameras placed low and near Victoria, providing a nice balance to the pomp and ceremony of the royal court and the sweeping gardens of the palaces.

The Young Victoria is now showing at cinemas nationally.

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