When The Young Victoria (our review) played in the UK early last year, I was a bit disappointed to find it would be agonizing months before we ever had a chance to see the film in North America. I had my chance to see it at VIFF and the film has been going through a slow roll-out over the last few weeks gaining a fair bit of attention, and for good reason too.
Canadian director Jean-Marc Vallée’s take on Queen Victoria’s life is less history and more drama but it handles its subject with delicacy and care, creating a package that is gorgeously shot and which manages to stay with you for the long run; not bad for a little costume drama. Yet, for some reason, the film seems to be passed over by many of the major sites. Here’s my sincere plea for attention for a little film that really should be getting more love.
Aside from great performances from Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend and Paul Bettany, what I loved most about the film is how it portrays Victoria as a very real and strong woman, one who wasn’t about to be pushed around. Not a bad message for young, impressionable girls.
I also love this great scene which carefully balances the melodrama. Though seeing it out of context it may seem like Victoria is being a bit petty, I can’t help but cheer her on for standing up to man, even her husband, at a time when women were still considered second class citizens.
It may not be perfect but The Young Victoria is a greatly enjoyable film and one that marks Vallée as a director to watch. I can’t see what he lays his hands on yet. Until then, I’d recommend finding a nearby screening, bundling up the teen girls and heading out for a girls night out. I guarantee it’s a better option than Leap Year.
I figured you would love it, Marina, I think it is very solid at what it does. We were debating elsewhere about its Oscar prospects but I would be stunned if this is not nominated for Best Picture.
This really is a great film, one that I hope more people will see. I get anxious too with UK releases when they take so long to get here (although this was UK/USA copro).
Seeing a film with such a strong, and real, female protagonist was such a treat – add that it’s historically set and beautifully crafted & acted it would be hard to ask for more. I hope many more people get out to see it and we continue to see films of in this vein and calibre.
Gonna try to jet out of work a little early tomorrow and go see this. I’ve wanted to see it for a while and just haven’t gotten up the energy. This clinches it though – especially if there is a chance it will be up for best picture/actress.
It sort of came and went over here in the UK, no one made a big fuss over it so I would be stunned if it did get any oscar love beyond the obligatory costume nod.
Blunt also has Wolfman coming out (eventually, who knows as this one gets pushed around the schedule a lot!) She’s landed herself in some large and varied films over the past little while. I like her.
Lush cinematography. Check. Strong but accessible female lead. Check. Touching romance. Check. Loved this movie.
Liked this movie quite a lot. I don’t see much Oscar love for it either though. Other than costumes, which were awesome, there’s just not enough exposure. With 10 nominations, I guess we’ll see though. I plan to mention a few more thoughts on the upcoming Cinecast.