Pure perfection; a film without villains. It's a masterpiece. Go see it.

Rating: 9/10 (2 March 2011)

**** out of ****
There are few stories without an enemy; and few films without a flaw. Yes, history has proved me somewhat wrong and there are indeed MANY great, flawless films, but seldom do they come along each weekend. So when they do come along, there is reason to celebrate. "The King's Speech" is an absolutely fantastic portrait of the Duke of York, who was King George V's son. If there is a villain in this very story, it is the flaws of the Duke/Albert. He is to become his father's successor, while at the same time he worries if he will ever be able to make the grand speech(s) that everyone expects of him. This is a film about the road leading to eventual success, and it's a damn fine piece of filmmaking indeed. "The King's Speech" is so fine in fact, that it is one of the best films of 2010; a certain Oscar contender in the long run. Here we have a film that takes few risks and only wishes to be average and seldom seen, but due to its seductive greatness and irresistible mix of humor and wit, it is more than it wants to be. This is a wonderful film in spite of its predictability, and it made me realize that a film like this comes out nigh every year. I of course mean "a film like this" as in a film which tells a true story, and should therefore be predictable, but goes on to be a compelling work of art. This is exactly the case with "The King's Speech", which takes a relatively fascinating premise and turns it into an even more fascinating film. One can of course tell a good story, but can one also make a good film out of it? In this case, most certainly. And can one also bring a talented cast into the mix? Oh yes, indeed. "The King's Speech" does something that very few-and I mean very few-2010 films have done; it creates originality out of unoriginality. I won't say it's as predictable as some have made it out to be, but I won't call it original either. And for once, here's a film that does not need to be original to be the wondrous work that it is. This is a film for anyone; lovers of history, cinephiles, and "normal" movie-goers alike. It's a film with such a wide appeal that I suppose I have not even seen the peak of its on-going success, which started with high critical praise and will end with its multiple mentioning's at the Academy Awards. Here's to hoping that it wins something. I for one am all for Colin Firth winning Best Actor for his riveting and powerful performance in this film; which might just be the best thing he has starred in yet. So whether you're in-tune with the world of film or not, "The King's Speech" is an absolute must-see; a compelling piece of historical story-telling that uses just about all it's got to succeed. I like it when films do that; I like it a lot. Hence why "The King's Speech" was, in my eye, a wonderful film. I say take the ticket, as long as you have the time.