The film begins with Prince Albert (Colin Firth) attempting to make a speech to the community on his father's (King George V) behalf. However, there's just one problem. He has a significant fear of making speeches and also stutters. Which is so not acceptable for a king in-waiting. His wife, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter) does her best to seek all the help possible for her husband to overcome his speech problem. Through this, she manages to find Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush) an Australian who specialises in speech defects. And who also likes things done his way under his roof. One of which is him insisting on calling the prince 'Bertie'.
They go through several humourous sessions of getting the prince to overcome his stammer. However, the problem seems to be more psychological than merely a speech problem but the prince refuses to open up about personal matters. As the king dies, Bertie's older brother is sworn in as king. King Edward VII (Guy Pearce). However, as he is unable to commit to the expectations of the Church of England and his duties as a king, King George VI (Bertie) takes over. And we see how he faces his fears with the onset of World War II.
This was a brilliant movie about friendship across the classes, the ups and downs, an insight into the monarch (which usually does not interest me one bit) and most importantly, about facing your fears. No matter who you are or how important you may be, there are still fears you must face. And facing your fears is what makes you a courageous person. It was really nice to see bravery and courage being depicted in this manner as compared to your usual action movies. Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter are all brilliant. Colin Firth's stammer in particular is so realistic as is his fear that your heart goes out to him. Both he and Geoffrey Rush are fantastic actors.
If you are looking for a movie with laughter and meaning, I would highly recommend you watch The King's Speech. It was definitely one of my two favourite movies in 2010 (The other being Mother and Child).
Until next time,
Cheers!!!
I saw the preview and loved it. Want to watch the movie...hopefully soon.
ReplyDeleteI made a special effort to go and see this movie and really enjoyed it too. Both Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush were very convincing and gave the story a very special human touch.
ReplyDeleteI agree, a must see movie
Do watch it T...I'm sure you'll love it =)
ReplyDeleteThey were both great, weren't they? It was a lovely movie about flaws and courage... :)
ReplyDeleteHey it does look like a good movie.. I thought it will be probably more about kingdom and politics or something like that.. after reading your review, I feel like watching it. I might like the movie.. thanks for the review PB :)
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting... Will watch it when I get a chance.
ReplyDeleteOh Avada, it is a great movie...I wouldn't have watched it either if it had been just about the monarch and politics and the kingdom...
ReplyDeleteIt is...highly recommend it =)
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to watching this, too. And on the insight into the Monarch thing, I'm not interested either but when I watched The Queen a few years back I was blown away. I think you can be a republican and like films that delve into royalty. I'm sure that's allowed. :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'll like it Kirby...
ReplyDeleteI haven't watched The Queen or any of the other Elizabeth movies...but yeah, I guess watching movies doesn't make one any less of a republican. I must admit though, I don't get all the fascination with royalty that seems to exist (read: the recent hype about Will and Kate) Oh well, each to their own...
This sounds like a pretty interesting movie. Must see if I can rent it.
ReplyDeleteWelcome Fuzzy! I think the movie has only recently been out at the movies so it may be a couple of months or so before it's out on DVD...but yeah, I'd highly recommend it :)
ReplyDeleteI have to come out & admit that I haven't heard of this film. I feel disconnected :(
ReplyDeleteColin Firth is a great actor no? And on a completely unrelated note, I find the typography on the film poster very similar to the famous 'Keep Calm & Carry On' Poster.
Anyway, a great review. Would love to check the film out soon! :)
I wondered what that film was about and after reading your review, it sure sounds interesting. I'll definitely add it to my list of must see movies this year. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommendation! The plot seems very interesting and should be a nice movie to watch...
ReplyDeleteHmmm...maybe it's not out in India yet...
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, Colin Firth is amazing....
What's the Keep calm, carry on poster??? I feel disconnected now! :P Or just plain ignorant...
Do watch it...I'm sure you won't regret it. It's not some boring old story about the monarch... =)
ReplyDeleteWelcome Mukta! And yes, it's a very different plot...with great acting for sure! Do keep visiting... :)
ReplyDeleteSure.. you have a nice blog :-)
ReplyDeleteAlso, it's always nice to read about movies and psychology...
I loved it too :)
ReplyDeleteI was amused at your side note about being disinterested in the monarch because lately I've been getting more and more fascinated with the British. Have you watched Downton Abbey? It's a show about the lives of the royal class and their servants set in early 20th century England. I caught it on Netflix and absolutely loved it.
Nope...haven't watched Downtown Abbey...I seem to think at least in this day and age, the need of a king or queen is pretty redundant. Also, I'd be pretty miffed if my taxes were going to support someone living in a palace...
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