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The Young Victoria

movies|the%20young%20victoria|2009-08-27

A dramatisation of the turbulent first years of Queen Victoria's rule. Victoria became queen at 18 and endured a legendary romance and marriage to Prince Albert. Devastated by her husband's death in 1861, she wore black for the rest of her life and remained largely secluded.

Editorial

The Young Victoria rewinds to the first days of the monarch's rule, as Victoria (Blunt) struggles for influence with her ma (Richardson) and charismatic Prime Minister Lord Melbourne (Bettany), while a parallel tug-of-war plays in her heart between Melbourne and dashing Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (Friend).

Pacy direction sidesteps the creakiness of so many costume dramas, Blunt and Friend's magnetism and genuine chemistry also bringing a welcome sense of fun.

With Bettany on fine form and good support from Jim Broadbent and Mark Strong, Vallée delivers a solidly entertaining biopic.

Liz Beardsworth