The Place For The Latest Movie Reviews
Cast: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Guy Pearce, Michael Gambon, Timothy Spall, Jennifer Ehle, Derek Jacobi, Anthony Andrews, Eve Best
Britain's King George VI (Colin Firth) struggles with an embarrassing stutter for years until he seeks help from unorthodox Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush) in this biographical drama.
A multiple Academy Award winner including Best Picture and Best Actor for the film's star Colin Firth who is stellar as Britain's King George VI who is suddenly thrust into leading his country at the beginning of World War II. George doesn't want the position and even more so since radio is now being used to speak to the people and with his speech impediment it frightens George beyond believe. He seeks help for his stutter from several doctors but after exhausting all options and just about to give up he meets Lionel Logue, who fancies himself an actor but makes a living as a diction coach. As an actor Lionel is not very good but he is very good at helping those with speech problems. Both men collide at first but as time goes by they gain each others confidence and respect which leads to a lifelong friendship. Many out there may not be all that interested in British cinema but even if you're not the film is a must see for the performances alone. Colin Firth who won Best actor is moving as King George, his emotions over his problem flow out to the audience not only through his speech but through his facial expressions as well but as good as Firth is there is another performance in the film that I thought topped it. Geoffrey Rush is amazing as Lionel and he steals every scene he is in, if this film deserved any award Rush should have won for supporting actor. The rest of the cast did a terrific job as well including, Helena Bonham Carter as the King's wife and Guy Pearce as the brother who is first made King but after dating women who were married before or worse, still married he is forced to resign and George steps in. I did not see every movie that was either nominated or was under consideration to be nominated so to say "The King's Speech" deserved the awards it got would be just going along with what ended up happening but I can say Rush's performance was brilliant and the film is highly entertaining containing a nice mix of drama and humor that makes it very appealing. The interaction between Firth and Rush is a joy to behold, it's two actors at the top of their game. Tom Hooper's direction is flawless, capturing the London of the time, the burden of being royal, and the class distinctions of the era.
A film that shows you don''t need sex and violence but with characters that fascinate and clever dialogue you can tell a wonderful and powerful story. A feel good film that will leave you with a lump in your throat by the time the end comes. Like I said above briefly, this might not be a film for everyone but if you're a lover of great cinema then I highly suggest giving this one a chance, I was pleasantly surprised by the story and was floored by the magnificent performances that were on display. "The King's Speech" is available on DVD and Blu-ray and both come with Special Features that include:
Audio Commentary with Director Tom Hooper
Making The Difference: An Inspirational Story of An Unlikely Friendship
Q&A with The Director and Cast including Colin Firth
Speeches from The Real King George VI
The Real Lionel Logue Highlights
You can order the DVD HERE and the Blu-ray HERE.
Released by Anchor Bay Entertainment
**** 1/2 Out Of *****