Finally understand the hype...three years later

Rating: 9/10 (16 March 2013)

I always try to see as many of the Oscar nominated pictures as I can. This year (2012) I did very well. Previous years, not so much as I have still not even see The Artist. Finally, I sat down and watched The King's Speech and was very pleasantly surprised. Sometimes its better to watch a film like this after the hype has died down. It was so very well acted, powerfully written and just a very fascinating time in history. It would seem that the film might drag a little considering the entire film is literally all about King George's Speech impediment and his rise to the monarchy but the pacing for the film is very near perfect. Never once did I fee like it was dragging or spending an excessive amount of time on something it shouldn't be. The characters were all excellent and the actors portraying them nothing short of brilliant. The film blends together appropriate drama with a certain amount of comedy, however dark it may be. The distinctive relationship between a commoner (who doesn't allow himself to be treated as such) and the Prince, eventually King of England was perhaps one of the best aspects of the film. Both roles were played so masterfully.
Colin Firth is just simply brilliant as King George. He has this incredible pressure on him to perform his Kingly duties and yet he is soft spoken, suffering a great deal from his impediment and seems so withdrawn socially. Firth brings this character to life and gives you such a deep feeling of empathy for him. Geoffrey Rush is equally amazing as vibrant, strong willed speech therapist Lionel Logue. The chemistry between Firth and Rush has to be seen to truly understand. It carries this film to new heights. Their strange friendship of convenience is so interesting to watch unfold. Rush's Logue is a fascinating character and the film allows time to explore him as much as Firth's King George. Helena Bonham Carter is good as Firth's wife, Queen Elizabeth. I wouldn't say she is great and her performance is easily buried by the powerhouse performances of her co-stars. Her character is mostly background but she serves her purpose.
Tom Hooper has now given two absolutely breathtaking films in the last two years. Les Miserables was nothing short of stunning and one of the best films of last year. It far deserved the Oscar from Argo in my opinion. Hooper seems methodical and he's not afraid to spend the time necessary to explore his characters and really get the most out of his cast. The King's Speech might not be the sort of drama that mainstream movie goers would gravitate to but I am convinced that this movie would surprise people how good it is. One of the things I really liked about it was that it wasn't cut and dry. This wasn't the Rocky of speech therapy movies where he trains and trains and suddenly throws off his impediment and becomes an amazing speaker. He does train in various little speech lessons and tricks of the trade but he struggles right up until his last speech. He overcomes a lot but he doesn't become this brilliant speaker overnight. One of my favourite scenes was when Winston Churchill (played by Timothy Spall) tells King George that he too suffered from a speech impediment and how he overcame it. The film is a near perfect drama that entertains, inspires and tells a true story that everyone can enjoy. I insist you give this one a chance! 9/10