Young Victoria

Victoria and Albert are one of the greatest love stories in history. A young tightly controlled girl becomes queen at the age of 18 and while everyone around her is jockeying for position, a pair of brothers are sent to her by her uncle King Leopold. He wants to manipulate her too, but the youngest brother, Albert, truly cares for Victoria. Having met a year before she ascends to the throne, he had tremendous ideas about improving the world and in Victoria he finds a sympathetic ear. He loves music and literature but Victoria was forbidden from reading novels until a year ago. She is very naive, but Albert has faith in her. He suggests books to read and supplies her with the latest music, and through their friendship she quickly learns about the world she is about to rule.

Although Victoria has chosen an advisor in Lord Melbourne, her friendship continues with Albert through letters. As she struggles with the pitfalls of politics and other scandals, Albert praises her ability and instincts. His advice is sound, loving and most of all unselfish. He displays the persona of a man with a social conscience who is deeply concerned about the welfare of others. After growing up a virtual prisoner separated from the rest of society by an over-protective mother and her scheming advisor, Victoria found Albert truly amazing. She falls in love with him and they eventually wed.

Young Victoria is the story of Queen Victoria and how her relationship with Albert changed the nation and made Great Britain the mightiest country in the world. Victoria reigned for over 63 years and spent a large part of her monarchy as a widow. But this film covers the time of her youth and ends after the death of Albert. It is the story of a woman coming into her own and how a man and a woman put their stamp on a culture that still reverberates in the world today.

There have been many films and television series exploring the lives of Victoria and Albert. In this production, Emily Blunt brings us the inexperienced Victoria. A Victoria waiting to bust free. A Victoria who resents the repressed melancholy lifestyle she has been forced to lead. Emily shows us her frustration, her anger and her bitterness, but she also shows us a good kind heart and a strong will. She overcomes a lot and forgives a lot to become a respected leader. Through Albert’s love and guidance she becomes a world power to be reckoned with. This film shows us her genesis.

Rating: First Run Exploring the early life of a great leader