The Young Victoria

Emily Blunt is easily one of the most talented and diverse actresses to gain attention over the last 4 years, and as is probably clear from the last two posts, I enjoy films which are period pieces. So, when I had the free time to see The Young Victoria at the theater on a Thursday, I jumped at the chance, knowing it could be gone on Friday when they change the schedule.

Like 2006's The Queen or Elizabeth, The Young Victoria tells the story of the person, not the rank. As should be obvious from the title, this film, like Elizabeth, focuses on the very beginning of Victoria's 63-year reign, for which half of the 19th Century is named (Victorian). The plot is fairly heavy on politics, but this serves to enhance the viewers' admiration of and sympathy for the title character as she maintains strength while those around her try to manipulate her for their own gains. Many of the filming locations are truly stunning, and the scene of Victoria inspecting the newly completed Buckingham Palace is pure eye-candy.

Overall, it's the kind of absorbing biopic that sparks a viewer's desire to find a good book about its subject.