Lovely!

Rating: 9/10 (5 May 2020)

A "period piece" that tells the "true story" of how "King" George VI's ascension to the throne and overcoming his speech "impediment", motivated by a "strong sense of duty towards his country", with the help of his "considerate and loving wife" and his "peculiar" speech therapist. A pure Oscar-bait film! With a huge ensemble cast (who all gave impeccable performances, particularly Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter), a predictable story of highs and lows that's impossible not to know how it ends, and Steadicam shots and fluid camerawork, it's quite clear that Hooper, Seidler and the entire crew embraced this unequivocal fact to the fullest.
The film barely tries to deviate from the formula and the clichés that are linked to its sub-genre, but that's why it, seemingly conversely, doesn't seem to be a commonplace. This film is simple and that's exactly the reason why it worked very well and why it stands out above the rest of Oscar-bait films. Because this simplicity and unpretentiousness are what gave this film its incredibly genuine warm-heartedness and sheer authenticity. Even King Edward VIII, who said he has been busy "Kinging", is a fairly credible character, although Guy Pearce's superb performance has a role to play in making it so. But all in all, The King's Speech is an Oscar-bait done properly.
(9/10)