Monday, January 3, 2011 at 9:32AM 
Dry. Focused. Artful. Perfect.
| Overall Grade: | A |
| Story: | B |
| Acting: | A+ |
| Direction: | A+ |
| Visuals: | A |
Summary: Real life seems to be the rage in recent movies. The challenge becomes more arduous for major productions when the plot doesn't include any of the silver screen big five: superstars, sex/romance, CGI, suspense (or horror) and action.
The new film "The King's Speech" is a screen rendition of the book "The King's Speech: How One Man Saved the British Monarchy" co-written by the grandson of Lionel Logue, the speech therapist who helps Albert (titled as King George VI) to achieve his ability to speak publicly without stammering.
Directed by Tom Hooper, the film has low star power- Colin Firth plays as "Bertie", the common name give King George VI by his family. While Firth is recognizable to many, he is certainly not a popular draw. Geoffrey Rush likewise plays the uncompromising speech therapist, Logue. Great character acting is done by both. The cinematography has the predictably drab realism of grey, dreary England. The contrast of royal furnishings and clothing are all that holds hope for any visuals that might wake up the audience.
Content caution: for moms, dads, and such- this film has no objectionable content, violence or images. Except, that is, for two specific and demonstrative examples of extensive cursing from which its R-rating is completely based. I say this to clarify the rating. To the film's credit, it is completely in context for the script, where it is meant as a therapeutic exercise. Both times the tirade of language is contained, strong and over quickly. I wouldn't bring a child under 13 to this film, but anyone over that age would not be unfamiliar with any words spoken in this film.
Beyond that, the plot is swift and simple and unfolds in just that manner. Bertie is crowned King George VI after the death of this father, King George V, and subsequent abdication of the throne by his older brother, Edward, just a year later. In just weeks, the new king must deliver a crucial speech to address the nation and empire as the United Kingdom declares war on Hitler's Germany.
Firth becomes what he must for this film- the consummate professional. Acting along a thin line between historical fact and brilliant character development, Firth bristles with life. There is no perfection, because the character himself was rife with imperfection. But there is life, because the character becomes a very realistic, endearing and human example of determination and perseverance. Firth is balanced in two spheres by Helena Bonham Carter (as his characters' wife, Elizabeth) on the royal homefront and by the aforementioned Geoffrey Rush as his speech therapist, Lionel Logue.
With such a thin plot, there is little to rely on for sensation. The movie is based purely on character development with a touch of humor. I won't pour out more details, when they are best picked up in the viewing of it. This was the first film I have seen in quite a while that audience members clapped spontaneously at the end. It is, in a word, brilliant.
Amazon DVD Link: http://amzn.to/pUv5va
Review by Kim Gentes.
Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, UK, colin firth, england, firth, king, king george vi, movie, speech, stammer, stutter in A-Movie, Movie Review
Reader Comments (7)
I'm waiting to see this movie. This is exactly my kind of story. It doesn't have to be flashy, just based on fact and truth. Glad you liked it. Won't see it on the big screen. Working in my brother's DVD rental store means I wait til they come out in that format. Besides, the way our winter has been going, my luck I'd walk into the theater and come out to find a full blown blizzard going on and have to live in the cheap seats with stale popcorn for at least 3 days.
Bonnie, sounds good. I was going to say that the movie is good probably in either theatre or DVD. It's not a cinematographic masterpiece, at all, so either format will be as effective. I did just update the review to add info on the MPAA rating and my thoughts about the content related to the rating. I doubt it would be an issue for most people, but I did want to mention it so that parents can preview the movie before bringing kids.
Kim
Hi Kim,
I appreciate your personal review. My sister recommended that I encourage my 22 yr. old son, Robby, to go see this movie, as well. . Robby continues to socially isolate hinself because of his stutter, even though he is on the dean;s list this semester as a mass media/communication/journalism major. I am praying he finds peace by commiting his life to Christ and good caring friends.
Thanks.
Blessings to you.
Kim T.
I agree wholeheartedly with your review of The King's Speech! I found it to be wonderfully refreshing in its lack of special effects, techno chase scenes, loud music, all those things popular films contain that assault the senses. It was just a great story, performed simply and beautifully. I appreciate that you weren't scared off by the R rating. The first time I saw it (I've seen it twice now), my sis-in-law assured me it was given for a 30 second cussing spree which served as a type of therapy for Bertie. And she was right. I have been way more offended by some PG-13 movies, so for me, movies are a case by case choice. Anyhow, just thought I'd concur with your recommendation of the movie, and to thank you for writing it.
Blessings,
Kitty
I have to disagree that Colin Firth isn't a big draw. You're not a woman. :) Many of my gender have been enamored of him since he played Mr. Darcy in the BBC production of "Pride and Prejudice" 16 years ago.
:)
Nina, I humbly admit my lack of knowledge in said arena of gender interest. Thank you for chiming in and setting me straight ! :)
The King's Speech is the kind of production that makes you ask: why can't every film be made this way?