The King's Speech Review

                                                          4 Nuts!

Director: Tom Hooper

It’s always a delight when a film that you anxiously anticipate seeing turns out to be praiseworthy. What is an even greater feeling is when that film lives up to the hype you have created for it; and then exceeds it.  This is the Kings Speech. The story  is about King George VI who as a young man succeeds to the throne after his father’s death. His older brother who was next in line to become king abdicates and marries a divorcee.  Ultimately it is up to Bertie (King George VI) to take the throne.  The problem is that Bertie has a stammer, which means when he speaks he has trouble getting the words out.  Unfortunately for Bertie as the new king he will be required to give speeches to his countrymen.  As the threat of war with Germany approaches the importance of having a strong articulate King is essential. 

Most of the plot chronicles the events that take place prior to King George VI’s coronation.  Only in the third act does he actually become king and give his big speech of the film.  Most of the film however, concentrates on our two main characters Bertie, played by Colin Firth and Lionel his speech therapist played by Geoffrey Rush.  They develop a strong friendship as the film progresses and we get to watch Bertie completely transform.  The film is surprisingly lighthearted considering that the story deals with death, abdication and the threat of impending war. The primary focus is on the relationship between our two main characters.  This is a serious film but well balanced with frequent funny moments, the audience I saw it with laughed a good amount of the time. 

The film starts out with a tremendous opening scene in which Bertie, who at the time was the Duke of York, is giving a speech to a large audience of British citizens.  The scene is almost painful as we watch Bertie struggle to get the words out.  We immediately feel for our protagonist and although we know next to nothing about him at this point, we want his circumstances to change for the better.  I believe this was an excellent way to begin.      

Colin Firth’s performance is astonishing.  He plays the King exceptionally well.  This could not have been an easy role to play because not only do his mannerisms have to change but his verbal communication skills have to gradually evolve.  We watch as firth skillfully combines both anger and frustration as tries to get his words out. The result is a very believable portrayal.  I definitely see an Oscar nomination and possibly a win for Colin Firth.  Geoffrey Rush is also excellent and adds a lot of the comic relief to this film.  His character is genuine and likable.  I must also add the king’s wife, Elizabeth played by Helen Bonham Carter does an outstanding portrayal as the queen, supporting her husband wholeheartedly.

In a peaNut Shell:  This is an enjoyable film that not only provides insight into a crucial part of history but is an uplifting film that leaves the audience feeling inspired. 

         On a side note, if you have not seen this film please do not watch the trailer.  Although it is excellent, I feel it gives too much of the plot away and some of the strongest moments in the film are blown.