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New DVDs available at Leisure Time

The Young Victoria

****

Stars: Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, Paul Bettany, Mark Strong

Director: Jean-Marc Vallée

Rated: PG

Runtime: 105 minutes

Drama/history/romance

This entertaining and beautifully shot period drama tells the story of the early years of Britain's Queen Victoria.

Most depictions of the monarch - who ruled for almost 64 years from 1837 to 1901 - focus on her later years but this details her ascension to the throne and courtship with her beloved husband Albert.

Penned by Oscar-winning scriptwriter Julian Fellowes, the movie takes liberties with historical fact but has a grounding in fact.

It begins with 17-year-old Victoria (Emily Blunt) learning she is in line to the throne and being pressured by her mother, the Duchess of Kent (Miranda Richardson), and her aide, the devious Sir John Conroy (Mark Strong), to sign papers declaring them acting regents until she is older.

She refuses and becomes queen - and quickly has to learn how to handle her court, government and public.

Victoria is also urged to marry and numerous suitors approach her - including distant relative Albert (Rupert Friend), who soon wins her heart.

Her devotion to her husband is legendary - she wore black the rest of her life after his death - and their blossoming romance is beautifully developed and believable, with the leads boasting a sparking chemistry.

Blunt is charming as Victoria and her monarch is witty, sweet and endearing - a million miles from the severe old crone she is usually portrayed as.

The entire cast give good performances and the cinematography is flawless, while the stunning art direction, costuming and make-up all won Oscar nominations.

The movie is co-produced by Martin Scorsese and Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, whose daughter Princess Beatrice - Victoria's great, great, great, great granddaughter - has a small role as a lady in waiting.

Watch if you liked: Mrs. Brown, Elizabeth.

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