Movie Review: The Young Victoria (2009)

Pride and Prejudice. Sense and Sensibility. Emma. Sense a recurring theme? They're all written by Jane Austen, and they all take place during the regency period. And as much as I love them all, I was thrilled to find another period drama that is placed in a different era. What era would that be, you ask? The Victorian era. :)

The Young Victoria

*Directed by Jean-Marc Vallee and starring Emily Blunt and Rupert Friend

As the only legitimate heir of England's King William, young Princess Victoria becomes caught up in the political machinations of her own family. Victoria's mother wants her to sign a regency order, while her Belgian uncle schemes to arrange a marriage between the future monarch and Prince Albert, the man who will become the love of her life.

My Thoughts: From the moment this movie began, I knew I would love it. Everything about TYV is vibrant and colorful and just plain beautiful. I loved the scenery, too. A few of Victoria's hairstyles were strange, but I think Emily Blunt wore them well. Albert was my ideal gentleman: handsome, polite, witty, kind, and strong of character. He also loved Victoria for herself -- not her throne. I really liked how Victoria eventually acknowledged that she needed to let Albert assist her in ruling, especially since you don't see that much in modern films. I can't give an honest opinion on the historical accuracy, though, since I haven't done much studying on the real Queen Victoria. *blushes* This film definitely got me excited to do a little more research behind the longest reigning monarch in British history.  

Pros: The story really draws you in and the dialogue is wonderful. The soundtrack took my breath away and added the perfect touch to each scene. The costumes are lovely and almost completely modest, which made me happy, since in most period dramas I have seen the ladies wear extremely low-necked gowns. 

Cons: There is quite a bit of romance between Victoria and Albert. Most of it happens after they are married, which makes it not so bad, but it's still there. We skipped one or two scenes; not because they were necessarily inappropriate, just kind of awkward. There  is some violence, but it is more dramatic than bloody. One use of the word "d--n".

Memorable Quotes:

Victoria: "You don't suggest I find a husband to play it for me?"

Albert: "I should find one who would play it with you, not for you."

Victoria: "Some palaces are not at all what they seem. Even a palace can be a prison."

Prince Albert: [accepting his letter from Victoria] "As a matter of interest, will a time come when I read them first?"

Baron Stockmar: "You'll enjoy this. She has a real flair for description."

*romantic sigh* 

Victoria: [to the Council] "I am young, but I am willing to learn, and I mean to devote my life to the service of my country and my people. I look for your help in this. I know I shall not be disappointed."

Queen Adelaide: "You are confusing stubbornness with strength, my dear. And I warn you, the people will not like you for it."

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

And my ending thoughts are: go see it! My main complaint about the movie was that it seemed far too short (that's a good sign, right? :)). 

Psst! Don't forget to vote for Mrs. Wachter! Her blog was nominated as one of the top 25 family blogs on Circle of Moms. Just click that button on my sidebar --> and vote for Art's Chili Pepper. Every day between now and October 3rd. It's that simple. :) For more information, click here. 

Sunday Blessings

What can wash away my sin? 

Nothing but the blood of Jesus. 

What can make me whole again? 

Nothing but the blood of Jesus. 

O precious is the flow 

that makes me white as snow; 

no other fount I know; 

nothing but the blood of Jesus. 

For my pardon this I see: 

nothing but the blood of Jesus. 

For my cleansing this my plea: 

nothing but the blood of Jesus. 

O precious is the flow 

that makes me white as snow; 

no other fount I know; 

nothing but the blood of Jesus. 

Nothing can for sin atone: 

nothing but the blood of Jesus. 

Naught of good that I have done: 

nothing but the blood of Jesus. 

O precious is the flow 

that makes me white as snow; 

no other fount I know; 

nothing but the blood of Jesus. 

This is all my hope and peace: 

nothing but the blood of Jesus. 

This is all my righteousness: 

nothing but the blood of Jesus. 

O precious is the flow 

that makes me white as snow; 

no other fount I know; 

nothing but the blood of Jesus. 

~"Nothing But the Blood" by Robert Lowry~

Many blessings on your Lord's Day, ladies!

"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." ~Isaiah 53:5

Psst! Don't forget to vote for Mrs. Wachter! Her blog was nominated as one of the top 25 family blogs on Circle of Moms. Just click that button on my sidebar --> and vote for Art's Chili Pepper. Every day between now and October 3rd. It's that simple. :) For more information, click here. 

Poem of the Week: Autumn by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

What poem could be more appropriate for the first day of autumn than this? Mr. Longfellow's words paint a breathtaking picture of my most favorite season of all.

Autumn

By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Thou comest, Autumn, heralded by the rain,

With banners, by great gales incessant fanned,

Brighter than brightest silks of Samarcand,

And stately oxen harnessed to thy wain!

Thou standest, like imperial Charlemagne,

Upon thy bridge of gold; thy royal hand

Outstretched with benedictions o'er the land,

Blessing the farms through all thy vast domain!

Thy shield is the red harvest moon, suspended

So long beneath the heaven's o'er-hanging eaves;

Thy steps are by the farmer's prayers attended;

Like flames upon an altar shine the sheaves;

And, following thee, in thy ovation splendid,

Thine almoner, the wind, scatters the golden leaves! 

Have a blessed first day of autumn, ladies! We are enjoying brilliant weather in my hometown right now, and methinks I shall get off of the computer and complete my schoolwork out-of-doors. :)

Psst! Don't forget to vote for Mrs. Wachter! Her blog was nominated as one of the top 25 family blogs on Circle of Moms. Just click that button on my sidebar --> and vote for Art's Chili Pepper. Every day between now and October 3rd. It's that simple. :) For more information, click here. 

Guest Posters Needed!

Ladies, I have something very big to ask of you. If you are a historical costumer or have any knowledge whatsoever of clothing from days past, please continue reading. 

I would really like to feature a guest post on Unsinkable about fashion during the Edwardian era. Now is your chance to have a post of your own writing published on the Unsinkable blog! If you are a seamstress and/or enjoy historical fashion and are interested in guest posting, please email me. We would love to have you! 

Note: Space is limited. It's first come, first served. 

Sunday Blessings

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye Heavenly Host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

~"The Common Doxology" by Thomas Ken~

Blessings on your Sabbath, dear ladies! 

"Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name." ~2 Samuel 22:50

Psst! Don't forget to vote for Mrs. Wachter! Her blog was nominated as one of the top 25 family blogs on Circle of Moms. Just click that button on my sidebar --> and vote for Art's Chili Pepper. Every day between now and October 3rd. It's that simple. :) For more information, click here. 

Poem of the Week: The Maid and the Man and the Sea by Anna F.

I am so very excited about this week's poem because it is by an amazing authoress whom we all know and love.

About the author: Anna is an eighteen-year-old homeschool graduate from Ohio who desires to live her life and love her Savior with all her heart and soul. She's passionate about words and writing, photography, historical costuming, the ocean, musical theatre, Europe, singing, frozen mochas, English Country dancing, and blogging...and likes calling her family of five sisters the Bennets. You can visit her here.

The Maid and the Man and the Sea

By Anna Olivia F. (2009)

A mystic sky cradles in its reachless arms

The rolling waves, thrashing, anxious

Unraveling in an endless dome

Changelessly, haughtily, sweetly

Of wind and sky

Hemmed by the faded horizon line

Away from the ancient craggy cliffs

Beyond the deathless emerald shores

From the heartless grip of the Irish Sea.

The cold sharp wind wildly waltzing

Taunting the waves, embracing the sky

Tossing the withered umber grasses

Whispers across the unbroken stretch

Of rocky sandy shore washed with rugged color

Drifts a wordless song of sorrow and passion

Flying, falling around

The fragrant heath of rain kissed heather.

Against the lifeless sky stands chiseled

The womanly form of a dreamer

Born by the untamed wind

Born by the glorious sea.

The salt laced breezes rustle the tresses

Faded auburn with raven sheen

The enchanted eyes look forth

From the pure wind blown ivory face

Encircled by dancing ringlets

That sweep round its delicate frame.

Dark clouds hover

Above the mournful waters

Billowing, ominous

Flooding the earth with chasing shadows

A low mutter of thunder and then

The rain comes.

Pounding the restless surf

Bending the peaceful tendrils of grass

Sweeping the fair and beautiful face

Blinding the sparkling maiden eyes.

But the storm, this sudden onslaught

Is powerless to drive her away.

For this is her home,

Her soul

The wild seascape and relentless rains

That anchor her spirit only faster in the trodden soil.

A quick step is heard. . .

Hushed is the rain.

Soft footfalls coming over

The rough and muddy shore.

And a voice calls out.

It reaches her ear with a strange unseen beauty

And the lass, in surprise,

Turns about by the wings of the wind.

This time, no longer only she sees

The timeless barren shore

And natures arms offering only

Her bittersweet alms of heaven

. . .but the figure of a man.

He slows his steps, drawing near

And stops.

Her eyes meet his.

His - clear and near and true, roving brown

Her's bright and curious, a ceaseless sheen of jade.

She holds his gaze unwaveringly

His eyes that caress with unsaid love

With their steadfast luster

That reach her deep within

And he speaks.

What is it that he says to her

As the wind brushes his lips

Lifting his words to the blanket of sky

Who is he

This handsome young stranger

That beckons her back to that dusty high road

That runs down the bluff to the sea

Words sweet and edged with yearning

As the calm September rain

That cause her to follow him

And leave her sea behind?

Anyone who adores Ireland like myself can appreciate why I love this poem so much. ♥

Have a good evening, dear ladies! 


P.S. Don't forget to vote for Mrs. Wachter! Her blog was nominated as one of the top 25 family blogs on Circle of Moms. Just click that button on my sidebar --> and vote for Art's Chili Pepper. Every day between now and October 3rd. It's that simple. :) For more information, click here. 

Sunday Blessings: September 11th edition

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

~"Amazing Grace" by John Newton~

I chose this hymn today for a reason. The Muslims who ran the planes into the Twin Towers ten years ago today were spiritually blind and lost. They--the descendents of Ishmael--believe that by killing themselves and Americans they will go to Heaven and receive seventy wives. This is what is written in the Scriptures about Ishmael in Genesis 16:11-12:

“You [Hagar] are now pregnant 

   and you will give birth to a son. 

You shall name him Ishmael, 

   for the LORD has heard of your misery. 

He will be a wild donkey of a man; 

   his hand will be against everyone 

   and everyone’s hand against him, 

and he will live in hostility 

   toward all his brothers.”

We must be aware of how very dangerous these people are. This not simply another false religion; this is a military regime. It's "join or die" with Islam, and each Muslim sees our beloved country as his greatest enemy--one that must be defeated. They chose the date 9/11 for a reason, since 9-1-1 is what we dial on our phones every time there is an emergency. This was no accident; this was very meticulously planned. 

The cross still stands.

We cannot hide behind ignorance: the truth must be known. Today we mourn for those who gave their lives on that awful day. We mustn't hide in fear, but stand firm in the strength of the LORD. And we mustn't ever forget.

"I trembled inside when I heard all this; my lips quivered with fear. My legs gave way beneath me, and I shook in terror. I will wait quietly for the coming day when disaster will strike the people who invade us. Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation. The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He will make me as surefooted as a deer and bring me safely over the mountains."

~Habakkuk 3:16-19~

P.S. Click here to read Brianna's very touching post commemorating September 11th. 

Poem of the Week: A Song From the Suds by Louisa May Alcott

A Song From the Suds

Written by Louisa May Alcott, from Little Women

"Queen of my tub, I merrily sing, 

While the white foam rises high, 

And sturdily wash, and rinse, and wring, 

And fasten the clothes to dry; 

Then out in the free fresh air they swing, 

Under the sunny sky. 

I wish we could wash from our hearts and our souls 

The stains of the week away, 

And let water and air by their magic make 

Ourselves as pure as they; 

Then on the earth there would be indeed 

A glorious washing-day! 

Along the path of a useful life 

Will heart's-ease ever bloom; 

The busy mind has no time to think 

Of sorrow, or care, or gloom; 

And anxious thoughts may be swept away 

As we busily wield a broom. 

I am glad a task to me is given 

To labor at day by day; 

For it brings me health, and strength, and hope, 

And I cheerfully learn to say- 

"Head, you may think; Heart, you may feel; 

But Hand, you shall work always!" 

Poem of the week? Hmm, I like it. Methinks I shall do this every Friday. :) How does that sound? Would you, my dear sisters in Christ, enjoy reading a wee bit o' poetry each Friday? Please comment below with your thoughts.

The arrival o' autumn.

Winter is an English matron, with every curl in place,

Spring is a new baby born, a smile on his face;

Summer is a carefree child, picking flowers blue and green,

And autumn? She's an Irish lass, looking out across the sea.

(c) Elizabeth Rose 2011

Autumn, you're here. And in your travel-worn bags you brought colorful leaves, hot tea, warm fuzzy sweaters, crisp air, brilliantly blue skies, and gorgeous photographic opportunities. (Now if only you would hurry up and unpack those bags that you normally leave sitting around until late October, you'd have my everlasting thanks. :P) The traitor who calls himself Summer has departed, but I need not weep for him any longer. For Autumn, if the truth be told, you and Spring are tied for my favorite season. Spring brings new life, warm breezes, lovely blossoms--what's not to love? But Autumn, I cannot help but also notice your fiery passion. You will not relinquish yourself to Winter without a fight, and I love you for it. Cerulean sky that puts even Summer to shame; leaves that burst into rich hues as they fall to their deaths;  everything about you is ardent and heartfelt. 

The end is inevitable, and you know you will lose to Winter eventually. But that never causes you to be apathetic. And I know that even though you have lost the battle, you will not lose the war, for every year you return. Winter cannot steal your spirit. 

Autumn, please stay as long as you like.

"There is a time for everything, 

   and a season for every activity under the heavens."

~Ecclesiastes 3:1~