28th November 2009

You know, British biopics have always been a hit with me. The Young Victoria (2009) has been one of those films which I've been looking forward to seeing. Mainly because I love seeing Emily Blunt in any role she's in, and was surprised to see her playing a historic royal figure. Emily Blunt, in my mind, should always be playing a snooty character just like she did in The Devil Wears Prada. She was just perfect in that role. But seeing her playing Queen Victoria was a stroke of casting genius. It was one of those rare moments when Keira Knightley should have been playing that role, but someone else did it so much better. The way that Blunt handled herself and handled her character was amazing, something that a lesser actor would have failed at. The unfortunate part was, the story was a little dull and didn't offer much entertainment. In a nutshell, the film follows Queen Victoria's younger years, like when she gets married to Prince Albert (Rupert Friend), and when she is coronated. It also has a back-story about her and her tutor, Lord Melbourne (Paul Bettany). The story at some times is confusing, and failed to keep my attention. But I couldn't help seeing this film as a guilty pleasure. I love seeing amazing costumes that would be so annoying to wear. The film was like a luxurious stay in a palace because of the amazing sets and costumes. But there was something missing. And it was not Keira Knightley.
6/10