Magnificent History of Modern Personal Bravery

Rating: 10/10 (24 January 2011)

Although it's often called the most feared human task, public speaking is, nevertheless, a talent we expect of all modern leaders.
In "The King's Speech", the British Duke of York, Albert (Colin Firth), is about to become the King of England (King George VI) at a time when the people who shared his destiny were the eloquent Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt and, yes, Adolf Hitler.
But, Albert (also called Bertie by his family) is paralyzed to speak publicly at a time in media history when radio broadcasts were mobilizing people to hear inspiring messages from their leaders. Tragically, Albert is terrified of public speaking because of a serious speech stutter preventing him from expressing himself.
Albert became an unwilling monarch when he inherited the British throne after his brother King Edward VIII abdicated to marry a twice divorced American woman from Baltimore named Wallis Simpson (Eve Best).
Albert needed help. In desperation, he followed his wife, Queen Elizabeth (Helena Bonham-Carter) to visit an unorthodox speech therapist named Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). The two developed a relationship in spite of court critics who saw Logue's therapy as unqualified for a King.
With great difficulty, Albert was slowly able to meet the challenges history presented him and his family. His personal bravery was well developed in the brilliant portrayal by actor Firth.
What makes "The King's Speech" a great movie is the magnificent acting and casting, supported by a superb story about the salient qualities of leadership. Bertie learned to become the King of England because his country desperately needed him, and he rose to the occasion.
English history buffs will relish the subtle comparison of King George VI to the life of Richard III, who was also afflicted, as portrayed by Shakespeare. Cinematography includes period alluring stage sets, complimented by impressive landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abby and 10 Downing Street, each essential to the historic plot.
What's missing from The King's Speech is a PG-13 rating, because the R is unjustified given the accuracy of the history revealed. Profanity in this film does not rise to an R rating level.
How will young people learn about the flawed human condition of some of the world's great leaders if they are prevented from seeing such exquisite films, like "The King's Speech", due to the use of harsh language? Rather, The King's Speech should be required viewing for modern history classes with teacher supervision and guidance.
Performances by Firth, Rush and Bonham-Carter are believable and superb. I especially enjoyed the scene when Albert's wife (Bonham-Carter) snubs Wallis Simpson (Eve Best) when she is greeted by the divorcée at a party.
Today, speech therapy is a medical specialty that requires strict credentials by therapists and physicians. In 1939, however, Logue was the best therapist the terrified king could rely on. Thankfully, the two men's relationship therapeutically worked to help galvanize the British people around the world. In fact, the King's Speech on the radio inspired at a time when darkness and war prevailed.
"The King's Speech" is definitely a 10 star film.