The Young Victoria

If you like period pieces with lavish costumes and semi-authentic sets and locations, you will probably like this unusual love story. I say unusual because it is a real story about an unusual relationship for it's time. Arranged marriages of this time at this level rarely had so much genuine love and respect.

Emily Blunt plays an strong Victoria beginning at the age of 17. Rupert Friend is her supportive Prince Albert. Paul Bettany is their cunning Lord Melbourne. Mark Strong plays the rotten Sir John Conroy and the stage is set for a very public power struggle. Queen Victoria's great great great great granddaughter, the Princess Beatrice of York, has a small role.

Even if you are not familiar with the realities of this story you might enjoy this story. They certainly don't get in the way, but that is not to say the movie strays too far. The sets are elaborate if flawed. The locations are as authentic as possible. The costumes earned the Oscar.

Watch this with someone who likes to waltz.