The Young Victoria

“The Young Victoria” is a film which came to be as the direct result of the untiring efforts and support of and from Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York. It is the story of a young monarch and the love of her life, Prince Albert. Emily Blunt stars in this bio-pic that appears bigger than the budget which constrained it with scenes in and outside of the castles and palaces that were part of the reign of the longest sitting monarch in British history. Lavish costumes and an able supporting cast with Rupert Friend, Paul Bettany, Miranda Richardson and Jim Broadbent help the Julian Fellows screenplay and directorial talents of Jean-Marc Vallee. However, make no mistake about it, the film belongs to Ms. Blunt who dominates it and each scene she is in with a royal quality befitting the character she is portraying. Produced by Graham King and Martin Scorcese, these film giants can be proud of their product to which I readily award 3 stars. In less capable hands, the film could have been too wordy and too dry. Kudos to Mr. Fellows and Monsieur Vallee for giving us what is basically a beautiful love story told under the umbrella of the royal family in mid-19th Century England.