Heartfelt, moving drama

Rating: 7/10 (3 September 2011)

The true-life story of one man's journey to overcome a speech impediment, with the added twist that that man just so happens to be the king of England. This is carefully crafted, emphasising characterisation over drama or action and with a wonderful and engaging script (incredible to believe that David Seidler's prior screenplay to this was the David Carradine vehicle KUNG FU KILLER).
Colin Firth gives a pitch perfect performance as King George VI, a man beset by worries both internal and external. One thing I liked about the script is that it never seeks to paint the king as a man above all others: instead he's completely human, often displaying petulance, temper tantrums and arrogance as well as the courage and bravery we expect from the story. Geoffrey Rush steals every one of his scenes as the impish speech therapist, and he also gives the best I've seen from him. So check out THE KING'S SPEECH, a film that keeps on giving and giving; you won't be disappointed.