A fantastic, moving film; easily one of the year's best

Rating: 10/10 (3 January 2011)

This review will not do the film justice, I mean, all I'm going to do is praise everything about the movie but how many of you are actually going to go out and see it based on my recommendation? Well, hopefully the following may convince some of you! Based on the true story of King George VI's journey to overcome his speech impediment, Tom Hooper's The King's Speech succeeds at being one of the best films of the last decade. Every aspect of the movie is perfect, and is combined to create a rare cinematic treat, a movie that combines genuine comedy with an inspiring story of perseverance through the hardest of times. I have read some interesting posts on the message board that state it's hard to form a connection between King George VI and his problem due to the fact he is royalty and it's 'merely a speech impediment.' To me, this is totally wrong, I felt for the King throughout the movie, and the film showed that despite the fact George was the King he faced many personal problems.
The wonderful story is undeniably made better by the extraordinary cast. Colin Firth, who was excellent in A Single Man, once again puts in an amazing performance as King George VI. He is quite simply phenomenal in every aspect, perfectly projecting the Duke's (and soon to be King) insecurities and bottled secrets. He is wonderfully supported by Helena Bonham Carter as Queen Elizabeth, who is simply stunning. She provides the Duke with loving support as he attempts to overcome his disability, helping him every step of the way. Finally, Geoffrey Rush portrays Lionel Logue, the Australian (from my home city Adelaide!) speech therapist who sets out to cure King George's stutter. Rush is simply superb, he injects an incredible sense of humour into the story, and he simply dives into his role. It is almost as if he is not acting, he is incredibly real, and again proves he is one of the greatest actors of all time.
Along with the acting, all other aspects are fantastic. The 30's is re-created realistically, with excellent sets and costume design. The score is fantastic, and in the final scene gives the event that takes place that much more emotion. Hooper's direction is perfect, every scene is shot with such purpose, there are no filler scenes, no sappy, manipulative scenes which force the viewer to feel sorry or angry, he just lets camera roll and the actors do their thing.
Not much else can be said, apart from the fact that this film deserves to be seen by anyone who considers themselves a film buff. The King's Speech encompasses everything that I love about the movies; acting, direction, story, score, emotion. Don't miss the chance to see this, it is a truly wonderful film.
5/5