Even Kings have obstacles to overcome

Rating: Null/10 (4 February 2011)

The story opens in 1925, as the Duke of York (aka "Bertie" to his family), played by Colin Firth, is about to give a speech. It's torture for him, as he is shy and is nearly unable to speak because he stammers so badly. Still, he takes some comfort in the fact that he'll never have to be King since he has an older brother, the playboy prince known as "David." Bertie's beloved wife Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter) engages the services of an elocution therapist and Bertie grudgingly starts classes, but the teacher (Geoffrey Rush) has some unorthodox techniques.
This is mostly a very good movie with sympathetic characters and historical significance. Bertie's older brother did become King, but he abdicated, forcing shy Bertie into the job. The film leads up to Bertie's (now King George VI) very important first radio address to the nation after WWII is declared. The era is recreated well and one feels the weight on the King's shoulders as he prepares to address his countrymen, to guide and strengthen them. It's a moving scene as the King manages to deliver the speech nearly flawlessly with the help of his teacher. Rush is bubbly and funny and kind, Carter is loving and supportive, and Firth is every inch a King.
The pace was a bit slow at times and I nearly dozed off in the middle. Also, the lighting was a problem; most indoor scenes appeared to be lit by small lamps, leaving half of the faces too pale and the other half in darkness. There are many familiar faces in the cast and all are excellent. Recommended, especially from an historic standpoint.