This is a ‘chick flick’ cunningly disguised as a historical drama – but still well worth seeing, in my view. It relates some of the early experiences of the young queen – showing us something of the insular, pampered life of a child destined to take to the throne – and a little about her early years there.
We see her mistakes, her reliance on a strong, wily mentor (women will love the suave, politically-skilled Lord Melbourne, coolly played by Paul Bettany), the political turbulence in England at that time, and the relationship with her beloved Prince Alfred.
Emily Blunt seems, on reflection, the perfect person to have played the part of the young queen Victoria. She is attractive, vivacious and developing into a good actress – I think we’ll see plenty more of her.
The movie features a wide variety of good performances. In fact, as is the case with all good British movies, not one of the actors was inappropriate in their parts. The whole production was superb, from the flawless costumes to the representation of real-life characters and situations from the early days of the British queen who still holds the record for the most years on the throne. Unfortunately the director decided, about two-thirds of the way through, to leave the important historical stuff well and truly in the background and focus on the romance between Victoria and Alfred. This relationship was a vital feature of Victoria’s personal life. It also resonates with ‘real’ life today – isn’t it amazing how often a very strong personality relies on the support of a much lower profile person?
If you love historical ‘costume’ productions, this bright, well-made movie will not disappoint you.
We see her mistakes, her reliance on a strong, wily mentor (women will love the suave, politically-skilled Lord Melbourne, coolly played by Paul Bettany), the political turbulence in England at that time, and the relationship with her beloved Prince Alfred.
Emily Blunt seems, on reflection, the perfect person to have played the part of the young queen Victoria. She is attractive, vivacious and developing into a good actress – I think we’ll see plenty more of her.
The movie features a wide variety of good performances. In fact, as is the case with all good British movies, not one of the actors was inappropriate in their parts. The whole production was superb, from the flawless costumes to the representation of real-life characters and situations from the early days of the British queen who still holds the record for the most years on the throne. Unfortunately the director decided, about two-thirds of the way through, to leave the important historical stuff well and truly in the background and focus on the romance between Victoria and Alfred. This relationship was a vital feature of Victoria’s personal life. It also resonates with ‘real’ life today – isn’t it amazing how often a very strong personality relies on the support of a much lower profile person?
If you love historical ‘costume’ productions, this bright, well-made movie will not disappoint you.
Roger Knowles is a professional speaker, author and attorney. For more information see http://www.rogerk.co.za/, http://www.referralnetworking.co.za/ or http://www.getyourmoney.co.za/
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