The power of acting

Rating: 9/10 (20 February 2011)

The performances from everyone in this film were excellent, down to the extras and uncredited actors playing "the common man" with such poignancy at a time when Britain faced its darkest hour of the 20th century. It's also about the acting that the new King had to learn, just to become the monarch at that stage in history, when the "wireless" was the means of communication and the king was forced to speak into a microphone without being able to see any of his audience, or more terrifyingly, a huge crowd hanging on his every word. He had to lead his people and inspire them, and I believe that he did so in real life as well. Public speaking can be an ordeal, even for those of us who are not cursed with a speech impediment. Imagine the hell it became for a man with a dreadful stammer who had hoped to avoid being king and who had been taunted as a child because of it, who was suddenly thrust into this role by his selfish, feckless older brother. It's such a great story and the fact that it is true makes it more powerful still. It has charm and humour, I laughed and cried all the way through. The rehearsal scene in the Abbey just before the coronation was like a stage rehearsal or an audition for the RSC - so unexpected.
I don't think the film is over-rated and all deserve the awards they have won. I would also like to mention the music. The original score was lovely, but the use of Beethoven was masterful, especially the 7th symphony at a climactic moment. Even though it was German music, it was absolutely right and very moving.