Well Done Bertie!

Rating: 10/10 (25 April 2011)

Going into THE KING'S SPEECH, I was a little skeptical. Admittedly, after seeing the over-rated "English Patient", I wasn't a big Colin Firth fan. I have nothing against him, perhaps it's just the roles he's gotten up until now. He was excellent in BRIDGET JONE'S DIARY, but still I had reservations about his Oscar-worthiness. Now that I've seen him as the man who'd become King George VI, I can confidently say he deserves the award! His performance as the stuttering, deeply troubled Bertie is spot-on. Not knowing much about British royalty (shame on me, considering my heritage) I was utterly blown away to learn about Bertie's troubles. To help him with his speaking problems, Helena Bonham Carter (in one of her most subdued roles) as Queen Elizabeth suggests that Bertie see a speech therapist of sorts named Lionel Logue played wonderfully by Geoffrey Rush. As their sessions get more involved we, along with Lionel, learn why Bertie developed his speech impediment. His upbringing definitely hints at how it got started, and was only made worse by the treatment he receives from his father (George V), his older brother (Edward VIII), and his cold, distant mother. As a matter of fact, we learn that sadly Bertie had virtually no friends while growing up, apart from a few nannies. Once again, this movie helps to reinforce a belief I've had: The real parents for the rich and royal children were the hired help. A solid friendship develops between Bertie and Lionel as world events loom in the background. The start of the movie is in the mid-30s, so the threat of Nazi Germany feels very urgent and immediate. Through a series of circumstances, Bertie finds himself in the position of king and now he must find a way to lead his people during the dark days ahead. The movie's conclusion has Bertie giving his finest speech. And as he concludes it, one can't help but cheer for Bertie, who gave such an inspiring and triumphant speech. Technically speaking, the cinematography, editing and music are perfect. In conclusion, it's no wonder this movie was such a winner. I recommend this movie to anyone who wants to know a little about British royal history, as well as anybody looking for an inspiring story!