Though bio-pic films tend to hog the Oscars, I hope this film does well at the academy.

Rating: 10/10 (24 February 2011)

Every year, there seems to be a wide release of bio-pics which tend hog the Academy Awards attention. They almost always become a default for winning the big awards. Just look at the last five years of Oscar history. Without a doubt, "The King's Speech" is certain for Oscar bait.
I initially went to view this movie so to see if it is really award worthy material. From start to finish, my eyes were glued to screen. This movie is excellent on so many levels. The performances are simply phenomenal. I have never had the privilege in seeing a movie with Colin Firth. His role as King George VI is sublime. Not only does he pull off a good stutter and deliver his lines well, but he puts intense emotion in the character he portrays, whether it be the unyielding fear that he experiences in giving speeches to the anguish he faces within the various tragedies of his family. No doubt, he'll get Best Actor, and rightfully so. Helena Bonham Carter provides warmth and humor as King George's wife. The real genius though is Geoffery Rush. I've seen his mesmerizing work for Shine, and I consider him to be among Europe's most versatile actors. Every second he is on screen in this film, he creates an illumination, whether it be the witty dialog or the advisable council he delivers to the King. I'd give him my vote for Best Supporting Actor.
Addition to the brilliant cast, the story itself is unique and the fact that it is based off of diaries and notes from the actual people that are depicted in this film is incredible. David Seidler will definitely get his award for Best Original Screenplay.
The film-making talent in this film is flawless. One aspect I can't help but admire is the work of the cinematography. Each shot in this film is composed and lighted beautifully. The costumes and production design is exquisite, the editing crisp, and the sound perfect. Alexandre Desplat's score adds a pretty tune to the film, but the real impact is the use of classical music, which is particularly significant towards the end of the film where the King gives his first WWII speech over the radio. And the directionshall I continue?
If I have to say one negative thing about this film, it is the pace. The two-hour film moves more like a three hour film. This is a common thread in bio-pic films since only so much can be covered in a limited time, which makes it hard to choose what to keep and what to toss while trying to keep the audience entertained. This is a hard feat to pull off; nevertheless, my eyes were focused on the screen the whole time.
I have not seen many great films this year. "The King's Speech" is one of them. Though bio-pic films tend to hog the Oscars, I hope this film does well at the academy.
My rating: ****/****