The next Shawshank Redemption?

Rating: 10/10 (24 February 2011)

I've said this before and I'll say it again. The best stories in life (and film) have simple plots and complicated, inspiring and intriguing characters.
The plot of the King's Speech is simple. When King Edward VIII of England abdicates his throne for hedonistic reasons, his younger brother, George VI is forced to step into the monarchy and responsibly lead the kingdom through a war brought on them by an unmoralistic and aggressive Hitler. That's it. Simple.
What makes the story remarkable is the development and building of the characters and their relationships.
The story gives us a touching look into the struggles faced by George VI ('Bertie') as he works with his crushing stutter. As an adult, he and his wife, Elizabeth, go from therapist to therapist in the quest to bandage the problem, but to no avail. After all hope is lost, Elizabeth seeks out an Australian speech therapist, Lionel Logue, known for his unorthodox methods. The therapy with Lionel had a shaky start, but eventually Bertie and Lionel developed a trusting relationship, with sessions filled with humor and pathos. Bertie can't remember a time he didn't stutter. Logue insists from the beginning of the therapy that no infant is born with a stammer, it is developed as a child. Gradually, Bertie reveals that underneath the adult speech impediment lies an inferiority complex from suppressed childhood memories of a larger-than-life brother, perpetual negative reinforcement from a dominant father and a cold, unaffectionate mother. Over time, the therapist-patient relationship develops into an unlikely friendship of two men from extremely different worlds.
In the background to this relationship is the abdication crisis. The relationship between Edward and Bertie is most fruitful. Here is a clash between hedonism and responsibility, fulfilling your quest for happiness versus overcoming your fears so that you meet your responsibilities. You can't help but be amazed at the courage of both men. That's right. Both men. While Edward can be seen as being a hedonistic fool, he can also be seen as a courageous man giving up crown for love. Talk about a different point of view! Bertie's bravery is the core of the story. It exemplifies Shakespeare's famous quote from Twelfth Night, "Be not afraid of greatness: some men are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them." Bertie has greatness thrust upon him. He overcomes his fears and his weaknesses and leads the nation through a war with inspiring speeches.
And behind every great man is a great woman. Throughout the journey, Elizabeth was always supportive, giving him time and space to be the man he is and gently nudging Bertie when he needed it. As her own woman, she carries herself gracefully, respects all people, and stands up for herself and her husband as needed.
What makes this remarkable story into a movie masterpiece is the casting, direction, writing... and most of all the performance and delivery. Everything about this movie is perfect. The casting all around was on point. And the actors casted gave a phenomenal performance. If Colin Firth does not get the Academy Award for this performance, I will lose all respect for the award. He nailed the crushing stammer. That, in and of itself, was masterful. But to also fully develop the character with kindness, courage, and vulnerabilities is pure magnificence! Geoffrey Rush gave Lionel Logue spunk and life, but not too much to overwhelm the relationship with Colin Firth. The chemistry between the Firth and Rush was terrific, with Lionel Logue amusingly bouncing his eccentricities off an often-flustered King George. Helena Bonham-Carter's was understated and graceful with the good balance of gumption. Guy Pearce is excellent as the womanizing Edward VII.
This movie moved at a good pace from the opening minutes to the very end. In the journey, you laugh, you cry, you find yourself holding your breath. And you're treated to masterful acting. What's not to love about this movie? The Kings Speech in the same realm of The Shawshank Redemption. Can it be compared to The Godfather? This jury is still out on that conviction.