"The King’s Speech" is the true story of the stuttering Prince Albert, Duke of York (Colin Firth) who becomes King George VI in the looming shadow of World War II. Albert inherits the throne after the abdication of his brother, Edward VIII, and seeking help for his stutter, he enlists the aid of speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). Albert is self-conscious of his impediment and is content to stay in the background, but as war with Germany is declared he must inspire his nation to action.
The movie is full of powerhouse acting—Colin Firth is a more than capable leading man surrounded by an equally talented supporting cast. Geoffrey Rush, Derek Jacobi, Guy Pearce, and Michael Gambon all give inspired performances, but I was very much surprised by Helena Bonham Carter’s performance as the Queen Mother. While I’m not surprised that she’s capable of the regal and dramatic,, the role is a departure from the bizarre and quirky characters that she usually plays. The relationship between Firth’s King George VI and Rush’s depitction of Logue is instantly appealing as the banter flies between the two quick-witted men.
"The King’s Speech" is as good as movies of its genre can get. It is well written, competently directed, and superbly acted. The film also illustrates the different lifestyles of Albert and Logue. Albert is a victim of the strict rules that govern royal children, and has spent most of his life in palaces, both literally and figuratively sheltered from the outside world. Nevertheless, Albert and Logue develop a friendship that forms the true foundation of the film, and though sometimes rocky, is the emotional pay dirt that forms the finale of the film. A movie that is both inspired and inspiring, "The King’s Speech" is a movie you shouldn’t miss.
Written by Tim
Edited by Aaron
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