Review of The Young Victoria (2009) by Zarinah H — 05 May 2010

As a fan of period dramas, I was looking forward to watching "The Young Victoria", and for the most part, the movie does not disappoint. Emily Blunt credibly portrays the angst of a young woman destined for great things,yet is raised in virtual isolation by her domineering mother, the Duchess of Kent (Miranda Richardson) who is in turn controlled by the politically ambitious and conniving Sir John Conroy (Mark Strong). The pair make Victoria's childhood and early teens absolutely unbearable as every aspect of Victoria's life is controlled - she is forbidden novels, has to be accompanied whilst walking up and down stairs, and is basically at the beck and call of her mother and Conroy. But, Victoria finds subtle ways to rebel, and through Emily Blunt's luminous portrayal, viewers get to see the fire burning within this young soon-to-be monarch.

In essence, this is a coming-of-age tale. The political battles are there - but they are portrayed in an almost mild manner.There's some shouting and yelling, but for the most part, the battle of wills by parties who wish to manipulate Victoria for their own gains is subtly portrayed. Lord Melbourne (Paul Bettany) is one such manipulator, but he oozes such charm and good humor that Victoria cannot help but like him, to the extent that she entrusts major decisions to him, which turns out to be catastrophic for her early days as Queen. The only other person whom Victoria trusts as her ally and confidante is Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg (a suitably gallant Rupert Friend) and the simmering romance between the pair is one of the movie's highlights. This is a relationship that develops slowly, and the strong chemistry shared by the lead actors lends authenticity to the romance. Victoria and Albert are truly soul mates - her inexperience and initial naivete is nicely offset by Albert's maturity, tenderness, and perpetual patience. His patience is definitely a virtue that Victoria comes to appreciate over time, and the couple's deep and affectionate bond is compellingly portrayed in the movie.

Emily Blunt truly does carry this movie, a far cry from her roles in movies like The Devil Wears Prada (Widescreen Edition) and Sunshine Cleaning. She has truly made the role of the young Victoria her own and credibly so. I look forward to seeing Ms. Blunt in more challenging roles, and as for The Young Victoria - it will delight fans of period dramas, and for those who have an interest in seeing the 'lighter' side of the woman who would go on to become the undisputed matriarch of the Victorian Age. Vivat Victoria Regina!