Period pieces have never been much of my forte. I enjoyed The Queen and even Elizabeth (mostly because of Cate Blanchett). I wouldn’t call myself an Anglophile, but I’m always game for a Royal history lesson.Emily Blunt stars as the young Victoria as we follow the early years of the monarch of Queen Victoria. Her uncle, King William (Jim Broadbent), is dying and Victoria is in line for the throne. We witness the royal power struggles she faces and the battling relationship with her mother.
Victoria lives in a very sheltered world. Her mother must hold her hand as she walks down the stairs and has no connection with friends outside the castle. This is all happening to a girl who is not yet 18. Victoria wants love, wants friendships and most of all, fun. King Leopold of Belgium (Thomas Kretschmann) hopes to marry her to his son, Albert (Rupert Friend). Albert has no interest for being used as a pawn. He is sent to meet with Victoria after being educated in her likes and dislikes. During a game of chess with Victoria, she realizes he's been coached about her tastes. When she calls him on it, he admits it. This begins the young love story, which eventually leads to marriage.
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this film. I expected the usual prim and proper approach as stuffy and tight as Victoria’s corset. However, from the opening scene, I was loosened and relaxed at the humor and lightness being portrayed.
As we have seen in the past, many actresses gain much notice and accolades for taking on the role of a Queen (Helen Mirren and Cate Blanchett). Emily Blunt deserves great acknowledgement too. Her portrayal of Victoria is strong, demanding and humorous. The role is perfectly executed. Youget the sense of sadness and determination at times when you know Victoria just wants to breaks down the gates and run.
Rupert Friend is also wonderful as Prince Albert. Watching his frustration with the people around him wanting him to create a romance with Victoria and then realizing he is truly falling for her, is done with sincerity and truthfulness. Miranda Richardson as Princess Victoria, Dutchess of Kent and Harriet Walter as Queen Adelaide also have standout performances, that unfortunately will get overlooked come Oscar time.
It's easy to get wrapped up in the glamour of a period piece. The costumes, the locations, and the cinematography. Sometimes all of those spectacles can sugar coat how good a period piece can be. The Young Victoria is one of my favorite films of the years. It was interesting, well directed, a great ensemble cast and moved at a wonderful pace. Emily Blunt deserves an Oscar nod, but unfortunately the limited viewing audience could hurt her chances of a win. I'm sure though, that this young in her career, like Victoria, Emily has a long reign of Oscar nominations ahead of her!
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