Stupendous

Rating: 9/10 (16 January 2011)

I offer this film as evidence that 2010 was NOT an awful year for movies. Whether you consider Colin Firth's Oscar-worthy performance (and if he doesn't win for this film, I don't know what the man will need to do in order to finally garner an Oscar), Geoffrey Rush's inspired and brilliant portrayal of a freelance, unconventional speech therapist with a profound understanding of the psychological roots of speech disorders, Helena Bonham Carter's outstanding turn as Firth's wife, the incredibly well-written screenplay, or the overall production values of "The King's Speech," this film ranks among the finest cinematic portrayals of the power of friendship. Firth, as "Bertie," the second son of King George V of England, must assume the throne after his brother abdicates in order to marry the divorcée, Wallis Simpson (an American, no less). In addition to battling his brother's popularity even after his abdication (as Firth's character notes, most monarchs throughout history succeeded a dead predecessor), Bertie must also master a very non-regal stammer that has plagued him throughout life—and he must tackle these obstacles as England stands on the brink of WWII. This he accomplishes with the assistance of Lionel Logue (played by Rush), a commoner (and an Aussie, no less) with outlandish methods and a rather modern conception of equality—he refuses to call King George VI anything other than Bertie, a nickname used only by family members, and he insists that the King call him Lionel, not Doctor Logue. I cannot attest to the film's historical accuracy, but its depiction of friendship is powerful and endearing. This is a great film.