The Young Victoria (2009)

The Young Victoria is a commendable and earnest treatment of the subject, that is, a costume/period political/romantic drama about the crowning and early reign of Britain's Queen Victoria (the longest-ruling English monarch during the 67 years from 1837 to 1901). Emily Blunt is no Helen Mirren or Cate Blanchett (who have played Queen Elizabeth I and II to resounding Oscar kudos) but Emily deserved her Oscar nomination to be sure. I just felt certain there was a lot more going on in the minds of Helen and Cate behind their stoic regal stares -- queenly thoughts if icy ones at that -- whereas Emily, playing a woman crowned at 17 who for political reasons had not been groomed for royalty, resembles a young ingenue or model "striking a pose" to get that inscrutably blank expression. (Still hot, though.) Be that as it may, The Young Victoria is an object lesson in political manipulation as we see how roundly her mother, uncles, and other courtesans seek to control her or exclude her from rule through patronizing restrictions and machinations right up to the day of her crowning. We see the beginnings of her resolve as the future sovereign as she refuses to sign an order of regency. We see her determination to learn how best to serve her people and their welfare and esp. how an authentic and joyous love develops between Belgium's Prince Albert and Queen Victoria. These threads form the crux of the movie, showing us humility and true love and a generous spirit of service while ushering in the modern age of the British monarchy. Don't miss this movie! 4.5 stars. (5-18 posted 6-5-10)