Movie Review: The King’s Speech

Bertie is in line to become King George VI of Britain after his older brother abdicates the throne to marry divorcee Wallis Simpson, making Bertie’s ability to speak to the people of England imperative as their new leader. The king is in dire need of help for his stuttering. His wife Queen Elizabeth finds salvation for the king in speech therapist Lionel Logue, who fights through the king’s stubborness and uses unique speech techniques so King George VI may conquer his stuttering. This odd mixture of royalty and commoner working together ends up forming a close bond of friendship between the two as the king strives to overcome his fears of speaking to lead his country.

The King’s Speech is a superb film, well acted, with precise direction, fine art production, lush costumes, and a beautifully written screenplay. Colin Firth as King George VI and Geoffrey Rush as Lionel Logue are stunning in their roles, as is Helena Bonham Carter as Queen Elizabeth. All three received well deserved Oscar nominations, with Colin Firth winning the Best Actor Oscar. The interplay between these three outstanding actors and an excellent supporting cast made watching The King’s Speech pure pleasure.

The King’s Speech is touching, funny, and fascinating. If you haven’t seen this film yet, it is one you should add to your must see list.

2010. Directed by Tom Hooper. Starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Guy Pearce, Claire Bloom, Derek Jacobi, Timothy Spall, and Eve Best.

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