Engrossing political intrigue and an engaging historical romance are augmented with exquisite period detail in Canadian director Jean-Marc Vallée’s story, with a screenplay by Julian Fellowes (Gosford Park), of the early years of Queen Victoria’s reign. Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada) is the independent but unskilled young royal, crowned at age 18 upon the death of her uncle King William (Jim Broadbent). She chooses Prime Minister Lord Melbourne (Paul Bettany) as her advisor over her mother (Miranda Richardson) but in the end it is her cousin Albert (Rupert Friend, Cheri) whose support she needs most. This transporting and rewarding film is about a brave young woman finding her way with her life’s partner. *THREE OSCAR NOMS: Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup.