As many of you know I’m a big fan of history. Especially American and European history from the 19th-20th century. Queen Victoria is one of Great Britain’s most notable monarchs but I always picture her in her elderly age. When I heard about the film The Young Victoria, I figured it would be interesting because I don’t know terribly much about her first years as Queen.

The story begins with Victoria still a mere princess. She already knows that she is heir to the throne when her uncle eventually passes away. Though things are not terribly perfect for Victoria. Her father died when she was young, and she doesn’t have the greatest mother either. Her father-like figure John Conroy hopes that Victoria (who he tries to control) will become Queen when she is still young as she will need a regent. Meaning Conroy will have considerable power if her mother rules in her place since she follows his orders.

Victoria becomes Queen without needing a regent though she isn’t totally free from Conroy or her mother yet. She makes mistakes such a favoring certain politicians above others, and putting too much trust in some people. She also meets her future-husband Albert who desperately wants to be with her.

Overall I wouldn’t say the film is bad, but it did become rather boring. I also looked up some parts of history I didn’t know and the movie has quite the number of historical inaccuracies. Even Victoria’s great-great-granddaughter Elizabeth II commented negatively about it. One of the reasons why I ironically hate a lot historical films is that it’s hard for me to forgive even the most minor changes of history.