A real Royal performance - 91%

Rating: 9/10 (6 February 2011)

You can always tell when we are in the middle of awards season as most films at the cinema will either be excessively worthy efforts to appeal to Academy members or dross destined to failure. There's not an explosion to be seen anywhere and few films will be considered to be "blockbusters". Amid the likes of "Black Swan", "Hereafter" and "True Grit", I couldn't quite believe that a film about a prince with a stutter could really hold its own but thankfully, I have been proved wrong. And while I fully understand the plaudits being heaped upon the lead actor, it is grossly unfair to forget the efforts of everyone connected with one of the best films of the last 12 months.
It is the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Exhibition in 1925 and Albert, Duke of York (Colin Firth) is to deliver his first speech via radio to all corners of the British Empire. But a terrible truth emerges - he is unable to deliver his speech due to a horrendous stutter. Retreating into the shadows in shame, Bertie is happy to let attention fall on his elder brother David (Guy Pearce), especially when he becomes King Edward VIII. But when his brother abdicates in favour of marrying the divorcée Wallis Simpson, the crown falls to Bertie who must overcome his speech difficulties as the country is in urgent need of leadership in the face of the growing menace of Nazi Germany. In desperation, Bertie's wife Queen Elizabeth (Helena Bonham-Carter) turns to a Australian speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), whose unconventional methods ruffle a few establishment feathers along the way.
In the same way that "Monster's Ball" belonged to Halle Berry, "The King's Speech" belongs to Colin Firth. For years in the UK, he remained most famous for playing Mr Darcy in the BBC's adaptation of "Pride And Prejudice" in the mid 90's - but no longer. He is simply magnificent in this film, leading a class of real acting talent at all levels from the leads down. Every facial movement, every jagged line of dialogue is just faultless and I honestly cannot recall a better performance from any actor in any movie I've seen for a long time. Supported by fantastic turns by Bonham-Carter, Rush, Derek Jacobi, Jennifer Ehle and Timothy Spall (frankly amazing as Winston Churchill), this feels like a quality product. And the tale of the tortured prince struggled with his internal demons and external pressures grips from the get-go - my bag of sweets and bottle of drink remained untouched through the whole movie, which is pretty much unheard of. Something else I have rarely seen in a cinema was the audience applauding during the end credits and in a time of financial crisis like this, our theatre was packed for this movie.
A few minor historical inaccuracies aside, there is very little to criticise "The King's Speech" for. Every scene is beautifully played, every shot is directed with confidence by the fairly inexperienced Tom Hooper. Being British, I find myself drawn to the underdog in any situation but one thinks of the triumph experienced by "The Hurt Locker" at the Oscars last year. I genuinely feel that while Firth should be a shoo-in for Best Actor, this film should pick up many more in other categories but time will tell. This film deserves to be recognised as it's heartbreaking, humorous and hugely entertaining - and serves as a powerful reminder of the legacy of the now discontinued UK Film Council.