The Young Victoria parents guide

The Young Victoria Parent Guide

There is great charm in watching the balance this pair finds as Victoria takes her first faltering footsteps along the path that will eventually lead her to become the head of a powerful nation.

Overall A-

As a Young Victoria becomes aware of her royal lineage and possible role as her country's monarch, she begins to order her life and affairs as carefully as a well played game of chess.

Release date December 18, 2009

Violence B
Sexual Content B
Profanity A-
Substance Use B

Why is The Young Victoria rated PG? The MPAA rated The Young Victoria PG for some mild sensuality, a scene of violence, and brief incidental language and smoking.

Run Time: 104 minutes

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Parent Movie Review

At sixty-three years and seven months on the throne, Queen Victoria was not only the longest reigning monarch in British history, but also the longest reigning female monarch of all time - that is, until her great-great-granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth II eclipsed her record. Victoria’s decades on the throne coincided with the heights of British imperial power, when it was said that “the sun never sets on the British empire”. Her life inspired the name of an age (the Victorian era) which encompassed great changes in science and industry, and her influence was felt in fashion, morality and the arts.

Yet she wasn’t always the regal figure who inspired the loyalty of her subjects. Once she was a shy child, uncertain of the world and the elaborate protocol into which she was born. It is the story of this “Young Victoria” which is told in this film.

Despite her youth, Victoria (Emily Blunt) has become increasingly aware of the critical position she holds. As the only legitimate offspring to be produced from three aging brothers entitled to the British throne, she is first in line to inherit the crown. Nor is she blind to the ambitious intentions of the people around her, especially her mother, The Duchess of Kent (Miranda Richardson), and her advisor Sir John Conroy (Mark Strong).

With King William IV’s (Jim Broadbent) health failing, the Duchess and her right-hand-man are putting pressure on the naive princess to sign a Regency Order that will give them governing power until she reaches legal age. Defiantly refusing their attempts to force her consent, the heiress presumptive gambles that the elderly king will live past her eighteenth birthday so she can succeed to the throne directly. And she wins this bet.

However, assuming the throne only increases the stakes. And there are many trying to take advantage of her inexperience for their personal gain. Among them is the British Prime Minister, Lord Melbourne (Paul Bettany), who flatters his way into her confidence and is soon making many decisions for her. Her uncle, King Leopold I of Belgium (Thomas Kretschmann), is also earnestly attempting to arrange a marriage for her to his nephew (and her first cousin) Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (Rupert Friend). Although she does not want to be a pawn in any of these political maneuvers, she soon realizes (thanks to some wise counsel from her aspiring suitor) that if she plans to survive, she needs to learn how to play their game.

While ulterior motives in the royal court play a part in this biographical production, much of the drama revolves around the feelings Victoria has for the dashing (and unexpectedly intelligent) Albert. Love scenes between the two include kissing, caressing and a moment when the married couple begin to undress one another. Other possible concerns are the depiction of smoking and social drinking (on one occasion a character appears drunk), along with the use of mild profanity. Violence briefly occurs when a rock is thrown through a window and a pistol is fired (some blood from an injury is shown).

There is no question the movie offers a romantic view of these historical figures. Still, there is great charm in watching the balance this pair finds as Victoria takes her first faltering footsteps along the path that will eventually lead her to become the head of a powerful nation.

Starring Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, Paul Bettany. Running time: 104 minutes. Theatrical release December 18, 2009. Updated

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The Young Victoria
Rating & Content Info

Why is The Young Victoria rated PG? The Young Victoria is rated PG by the MPAA for some mild sensuality, a scene of violence, and brief incidental language and smoking.

In the 19th century world of young Victoria, there is a wealth of artwork, some of which depicts naked females. Women are attired in low-neckline gowns and are occasionally seen in (very modest) underwear and nightclothes. A married couple exchanges kisses and caresses, and begin to undress one another. A women’s bare shoulder and a man’s exposed chest are shown. Mild sexual remarks are made. A rock is thrown through a window as a threat. A gun is fired and a man is injured (his blood soaked shirt is shown). Characters smoke and drink at social gatherings. In one scene a man appears to be drunken and another man consumes alcohol in a moment of frustration. Verbal arguments occur, as well as some pushing and rough treatment when a stubborn teen refuses to obey a man. A mild profanity is used.

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The Young Victoria Parents' Guide

One of the issues Victoria and Albert have to address is: “Who is the boss?” As Queen, Albert is Victoria’s subject. As husband, Albert expects to lead of their marriage and domestic affairs. How do they deal with these roles? How would you handle with them? Do you feel it is a “Victorian” ideal for the man to be the head of the house?

Loved this movie? Try these books…

In writing her exhaustive biography, “Victoria the Queen: An Intimate Biography of the Woman Who Ruled an Empire’ Julia Baird enjoyed unusual access to the Royal Archives. The result is an in-depth look at life and reign of Queen Victoria.

If you want more about the relationship between Victoria and Albert, dive into Gilian Gill’s “We Two. Victoria and Albert: Rulers, Partners, Rivals”.

To learn more about Prince Albert, try “Uncrowned King: The Life of Prince Albert” by Stanley Weintraub.

Curious about “Dear Lord M”? For a biography of Lord Melbourne, leading statesman and husband to the notorious Lady Caroline Lamb, turn to David Cecil’s “Melbourne: Young Melbourne and Lord M”.

Home Video

The most recent home video release of The Young Victoria movie is April 20, 2010. Here are some details…

Related home video titles:

Click here to learn more about the real Queen Victoria.

Depictions of other members of the British monarchy can be found in The Queen, Elizabeth: The Golden Age and A Man For All Seasons. Actors Rupert Friend can be seen in Pride and Prejudice, Emily Blunt in The Devil Wears Prada and Paul Bettany in A Beautiful Mind.