THE YOUNG VICTORIA 4.0*****
What magnificent movie !! I was thrilled from the very beginning to the very end. In fact, I really did not want it to end. There were some especially splendid moments when I was so caught-up in this grand story and the gorgeous visuals that I believe I may have levitated out of my seat. Fortunately my wife, Sara, was there to “reign” me in, and, by the way, she enjoyed the movie as much as I did.
The movie is about the early years of England’s Queen Victoria, who reigned as Queen for over 63 years. It touches on her childhood but only briefly. The main focus of the story begins when she was 17 years old and about to become Queen due to the failing health of her childless uncle, King William. From the time it became fairly clear that Victoria would be Queen, her mother and her mother’s power hungry advisor/lover were constantly scheming and conniving to try to gain control over her but she stubbornly defied their every move. Other politicians in England as well as family connections/politicians in other countries, including Belgium and Germany, were all attempting to maneuver and control her. Upon the death of King William she, at 18, became Queen. Along the way, she was courted by the very charming and handsome Prince Albert of Germany, who also happened to be her first cousin. The most charming and interesting part of the movie is their courtship and the growth of their relationship and love….all while under intense scrutiny by so many and subject to the often rigid customs of courtship, especially when royalty is involved.

If you're a period piece movie buff, like I am, you absolutely must see "The Young Victoria" on the big screen. Along with her co-star Rupert Friend, who is outstanding in the role of Prince Albert, British actress Emily Blunt is splendid in the role of Victoria as she goes from an inexperienced, manipulated teenager to a powerful monarch who becomes passionately in love with and marries Prince Albert. Blunt is best known by American audiences as the nemesis co-worker of Anne Hathaway in "The Devil Wears Prada", starring Meryl Streep. Now she gets her chance at a starring role, one she very dearly wanted and sought. And the 26-year-old Blunt is perfectly radiant and brilliant in the role. She was nominated for Best Actress for Golden Globes and for the Screen Actors Guild and should be nominated for an Oscar.

Visually the movie is a feast for the eyes. The costumes, locations and sets are all magnificent. Victoria's dresses alone deserve an award Each one she wears is richly colored and elaborately tailored, making them impossible to ignore.( Below is Blunt in one of the many beautiful dresses). This is an engaging romance set within the political struggles of the British Royal Family. It has everything you could want in a period piece ---- drama and intrigue, humor, costuming, a wonderful soundtrack and outstanding performances . This is filmmaking at its best, one that entertains and educates at the same time.

BRAVO, BRAVO !!!!…Do NOT miss this one and you REALLY should see it in the theatre.

Clark