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[/amazon_link]I had three reasons to watch this film –
1. Starred Colin Firth
2. Academy Award Winner
3. The intriguing true-life storyline (a stammering king no less !)
I was expecting a totally wonderful film, and it was truly as I expected it to be (keep it down people, I can hear your murmurs of disbelief, you know!). Seriously though – how many films can deliver like that ? Well this one does. Make haste – grab a dvd.
The film is about Albert George VI the British king who rose to the throne when his elder brother Edward abdicated the throne. If you, like me, think that there are far too many Georges (and roman numerals) in the British Royalty to keep track of, you will be interested to know that the present Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth II, is the daughter of Albert George VI, aka the hero of this film.
Bertie, as he is known in the film, is a stammerer. When faced with a microphone he turns into a mass of nerves, unable to utter a complete sentence without breaking down. Thankfully for him, then there was only radio; imagine his plight if he had to deliver those kingly proclamations in today’s internet ready world with 24×7 television, Facebook, Twitter and the ever-ready bloggerati.
When required to make state speeches and proclamations, Bertie’s stammering becomes a problem, more so when he is king. His wife Elizabeth (Carter) and he try and find various cures and treatments for the problem, but none succeed until she hears of a therapist. The therapist, Lionel Logue is a unique character, requiring Bertie to respect certain rules, despite his kingly status. Logue also probes underneath the surface as to the cause of the stammering, but Bertie resents the intrusion, and shuts down the therapy sessions. When good sense and his ascension to the throne of England make him return to the therapist, Logue takes him back with a good friend’s equanimity.
This film is wonderfully feel good. It resonates with the warmth of friendship and gradual understanding between 2 very different people – a king and a commoner. There is no villain to speak of in this drama; it is person-to-person, a battle of wills and the fight against one’s own shortcomings. Colin Firth brings to his king’s role an equally royal dignity; he is not just playing a role – he is the stammering king, and every time he pauses and stutters and swallows his way through a difficult syllable, his jaw twisted and face red, you feel his pain and acute embarrassment.
Bonham Carter is also a perfect fit for the role. She is not tall, or model-like (and I’m sure was chosen for physical similarities to the actual Elizabeth); but is all stately queen. All 100% of her. She underplays her supportive role expertly. The third main character – that of Logue, is played by Geoffrey Rush. Logue is an American, a little brash and abrasive by appearance, but wanting only the best for his royal client. Rush as Logue is wonderful to watch.
If you enjoy personal dramas, sans over-the-top fanfare, fighting or action, this film is for you.The King’s Speech has it all – a great screenplay, an excellent story and enough emotional appeal to give your heartstrings that gentle tug. Highly recommended.
Kidwise : This is a clean classy film, very much G, if the kids can comprehend the storyline.
