It's all in the handling.

Rating: 7/10 (30 November 2019)

An impressive picture, given that its based around almost no stakes at all. I mean, I'm not saying a speech impediment isn't a real challenge to live with for a couple of reasons but really, he's royalty, i'm not going to feel that sorry.
It is Firth's immensely sympathetic performance of a repressed and slightly neurotic individual that gives this the kick it needs, forming a superb double act with the failed actor finding a purpose in helping another who needs the help only he can give (apparently).
Pretty sweet and often fairly funny, it's Bonham Carter doesn't have too big a part thank goodness (I'm getting pretty sick of her), and also a bit marred by its desperation to make out Edward VIII as a villian whose desire to marry for love was some kind of betrayal.
The depiction of the royals as humans is what makes this truly a treat. The toxic Michael Gambom as George V juxtaposed to the wonderful tenderness that Bertie has with his Family.
But I am going to say this: he didn't have to become King. He chose that. And it's not like he saw any fighting so it's not like he lost much.