the young victoria

The Young Victoria is, as the title states, a movie about Queen Victoria immediately before and after her rise to the throne. More than that, though, it is a movie about love. It's so rare to be able to watch a historical (i use that term loosely) movie about royalty that is also a happy love story. So that fact is a luxury in itself, not to mention the beautiful soundtrack, exquisite costumes, and to-die-for sets. It is a stunning and immense piece of artistic work.

Prince Albert: I just got your note. I was riding. 

Queen Victoria: Sit, please. 

Prince Albert: The park is marvelous. 

Queen Victoria: Im so pleased you like it. I do want you to feel quite at home... I'm sure you're aware why I wished you to come here. Because it would make me happier than anything, too happy really, if you would agree to what I wish. 

Prince Albert: And stay with you? 

Queen Victoria: And stay with me. 

Prince Albert: And marry you? 

Queen Victoria: And marry me! 

Rupert Friend's portrayal of Lord Albert is so heartbreakingly sweet and perfect that it makes you want to hope that men like that still exist. He is so thoughtful and genuine that you can't help but fall in love with him immediately. 

He spends hours learning to waltz so that he might make Victoria happy, and with his first letter sends sheet music of a Schubert song that reminds him of her. 

here is the clip:

and, not to forget Emily Blunt--her role as Victoria is astounding. Her strength and gracefulness underlined by a youthful innocence is nothing short of inspiring, not to mention her utter and absolute beauty.

Sir John Conroy:  You're too young! you've no experience. you're like a china doll, walking over a precipice... 

Princess Victoria: Well then I must smash! for it's too late to mend my ways now. 

I happen to have a list of movies that were nominated for Oscars this year but didn't win and should have. That may just be my opinion, but I tend to get pretty riled up when I watch the Oscars nowadays. Credit rarely goes where it's due. Anyway, this movie happens to be on that list. It was nominated for art direction, costume design and makeup. It won costume design and makeup, but that was it. I'm not saying it didn't deserve those two--it absolutely did. But it also deserved to win for best actress (hands down, Emily Blunt could act circles around Sandra Bullock…if that's possible), and maybe even best movie. that's a tough one, but yes, I do believe so. Admittedly I'm quite the sucker for period films, but nevertheless.

oh, and i'll be back next sunday with my opinion of what Bright Star should have won.