A King of a Movie

Rating: 10/10 (13 January 2011)

Very few films leave me speechless, especially one about a speech! I rarely give 10 out of 10 but this is a must see film. Its a piece of History of a time when the King did mean something important. The film starts with a speech from King George V delivering to the Nation a Christmas message and culminates in a speech of far more importance as Britain goes to War. Not only is the story true, but it is delivered on screen as a cinematic gem, the acting is unsurpassed, Colin Firth who plays Bertie (George VI) suffers with a stammer and a lack of confidence. As the story unfolds he reluctantly visits Lionel (Geoffrey Rush)a speech therapist and a commoner, the relationship between the two men that develops is told with brilliance, As Bertie struggles to come to terms with the fact he could be King watching his Father dying and his brother develop a relationship with Wallis Simpson . Bertie therefore struggles with his stammer and the fact that what could be expected of him he will fall short on to deliver- there is humour and pathos and the audience is treated to a slice of history, we witness how the Government and Royal Family function in unison. As George V dies and Edward succeeds him to the throne, we witness how it is Edward who is not prepared to take on the responsibility of being King, being flamboyant and disinterested in the role. It is when Edward abdicates and Berie is reluctantly forced into the role that we see what the film had portrayed magnificently well. We see how It is Bertie who through his bravery to tackle his impediment and come to terms with being in the shadow of his Father and brother; that has grown in confidence and stature and we owe a great debt to a man that nobody had heard of (till now), pushed the future King to realise he was capable of being King. Apologies for the spoiler - but a moment of magic is when the KIng's advisor's have decided that Lionel is not suited to treat the King and Lionel gives a wonderful account of why he is. (in the middle of Westminster Abbey) - Pure acting and wonderful. There will be countless accolades bestowed on this film, well after I have written this. Suffice to say Colin Firth should receive an Oscar, the film should receive one too. This is truly the King of films. A Gem and one that will have you go through every emotion and feel uplifted when you have seen it. I intend to watch it again as I loved it.