The King's Speech Speaks to All

Rating: 10/10 (30 January 2011)

WARNING: Mild spoilers (unless you know some history).
I've been wanting to see The King's Speech for some time now. That's based in part on the fact it's garnered more than a few awards and nominations, but also because a few people I know who have seen it have waxed poetic about just how good it is. Well, whatever superlatives they may have used in their descriptions, and whatever praise the critics might have heaped on the film, I'm here to tell you that none of it was enough. The King's Speech is even better than you've heard that it is.
Prince Albert (known as "Bertie" to his family, played by Colin Firth) is second in line to the throne behind his brother, David (Guy Pearce). His father, King George V (Michael Gambon) tries to groom both of his sons for leadership, but Albert's shyness and debilitating stutter test his patience as well as that of almost everyone else around him. Only his wife, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter) seems to be able to look past his speech and directly at the man she believes him to be.
Bertie is deeply embarrassed by his stutter, but he's not overly concerned about other matters since his healthy, vital brother will become king after the death of their father. But David, who becomes King Edward VIII after George V passes away, has a problem of his own: He's desperately in love with an American divorcée named Wallis Simpson (Eve Best). No one sympathizes with his plight, not even his own mother (Claire Bloom).
Despite being relegated to relative second class status among the royals, Bertie still has to make some public appearances. It's to ease those events as well as her husband's heart that Elizabeth seeks out doctors and therapists who might be able to help. As a last resort, she lands in the offices of one Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush) where his brash impudence appeals to her own sensibilities. Bertie, however, is far less than convinced. Everything else pales into insignificance, though, when Edward VIII determines to abdicate the throne so that he can marry the infamous Mrs. Simpson and Bertie is forced to become what he most dreads being: King George VI.
As any number of awards and nominations could tell you, the caliber of acting in The King's Speech is substantial. Helena Bonham Carter is beautifully sympathetic yet regal; Claire Bloom is appallingly cold; and Guy Pearce is the very picture of a ne'er-do-well. Geoffrey Rush is completely convincing as a speech therapist and a man haunted by a few regrets of his own. But even amongst such a superlative cast, Colin Firth stands out. His portrayal of the King is heartbreaking and courageous, often at the same time. When Firth is on screen, it feels like you're witnessing some heretofore secret event rather than just another scene in a movie. His acting seems effortless (which means it was far from that), and he's eminently believable. (Added note: If the Oscar® doesn't go to Colin Firth, it will only be because none of the voters bothered to see The King's Speech. Anyone who's seen this performance will know that nobody else even comes close.)
The sets and the costumes are absolutely gorgeous, and the cinematography couldn't have been better. The direction by the Oscar®-nominated Tom Hooper is subtle and sure. David Seidler (who actually asked the permission of the Queen Mother Elizabeth to write the story, and was told he should not do so while she was still alive) has written an understated yet beautiful piece of history, and he's been recognized by the Academy with an Oscar® nomination of his own for his script.
BOTTOM LINE The King's Speech offers up a view of history that many Americans don't know (or probably even care) much about despite its importance to our own country's involvement in World War II. But while you might certainly call the film educational, it doesn't offer up its lessons on history or on life in either a boring or a bombastic way. Despite the gulf between royalty and the rest of us, the characters here are sympathetic, and their problems and their courage surely bear lessons and encouragement for everyone of any station in life. What's more, all of this is wrapped up in a beautiful and utterly fascinating package. While I can't say I had fun in the theatre this time around, I can tell you I had something just as good—or even better: An entirely satisfying evening at the movies, watching events unfold in a story I still can't stop thinking about.
POLITICAL NOTES None.
FAMILY SUITABILITY The King's Speech is rated R for "some language." I actually disagree with the R rating on this one. I think that much of the story here would have great benefit for older teens, and even mature younger teens. They won't hear anything here that they don't get in school or from video games, but the movie itself has much to offer. While younger children will be bored, you might be surprised at how well a movie with no explosions or car chases can prove itself to be gripping—and in some places even thrilling—fare.