The Queen Victoria in the book is a very ordinary woman, without the wisdom and skill of her predecessor, Queen Elizabeth I, nor outstanding beauty and charm, but she has a happy married life and groups of children. Strache showed a real, flesh-and-blood character, so it was very moving.
The film did not disappoint me. It focused on the love between Victoria and Albert. The first half of the film was particularly observable. The isolation of Victoria’s childhood and youth, the dull and depressing life, and the contradictions with her mother and her counselor were highlighted. The misfortune of her early life. This led to Victoria's stubbornness and even surrender in pursuit of freedom and independence after she became the throne. She didn't want to throw herself into the shackles of marriage and the political forces behind her as soon as she stepped out of her mother's control, but she didn't realize that as a young queen, she was inevitably influenced and induced by various interest groups, but they only appeared with different faces. If Sir John Conroy is a blatant threat, then Lord Melbourne is a gentle temptation. Only Albert truly understands her situation and is willing to help her while getting rid of the control of their common uncle, the King of Belgium. But at first, Victoria proudly rejected Albert’s marriage proposal. She was still enjoying her hard-won freedom.
However, the constitutional crisis soon made her a target of public criticism and made her feel lonely and helpless, which directly caused her and Albert's marriage. Life after marriage was naturally happy, but Victoria did not want to have children prematurely, but she still became pregnant very quickly. Seeing this, I can't help but feel a little sad, even as a queen, she has to perform the duties of an ordinary woman. This is the sacrifice for marriage.
She hopes to be a firm ruler, but mistakes stubbornness for strength. She lacks extraordinary wisdom and needs help and guidance. Fortunately, she chose the right person, Albert. The fact that Elizabeth I can never marry forever is due to her wisdom.
Lord Melbourne in the film looks too young. When Victoria became the throne, he was already relatively old. Although he is still very charming, he has become Victoria's most relied guide.
I highly recommend watching Strachey's "The Biography of Queen Victoria". After watching it, I can better understand the background of the film and the characters in the film. The supporting roles in the film actually have stories, such as King William IV and his brothers (including Victoria’s father, the Duke of Kent), King Leopold of Belgium, the Baron who trained Albert, etc., in the district of Strache, a few hundred words It can clearly show the complicated court disputes and interests, which is very interesting. Those who like British history must not miss this book (I read Li Xiangnian's translation).
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