2.08.2011

The King's Speech

Rating:★★★★★
Category:Movies
Genre: Drama
Fine performances turned in by Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter and, of course, Colin Firth. They literally took my breath away. Talk about actors who complement each other! Yes, I'm raving here. Highest praises go to director Tom Hooper and writer David Seidler.
This is the true story of how King George VI struggled with the speech impediment of stammering/stuttering. Firth looked really pained as he delivered his lines, plus his transition from speaking almost-normally, then stammering, then back to being almost-normal again, was flawless.
I watched this all by myself, at past midnight and I was so touched by the wife, Elizabeth's gestures and the way she had so much love and respect for her husband, that I cried unabashedly.
There are so many good lines in the movie and the lesson of being steadfast is mostly what I got from seeing this beautiful piece of work.
I used to think that The Social Network--which I still regard as great--was my vote for Best Picture at the Oscars but I've changed my mind and am going with The King's Speech.
Overall, what makes this a good movie, apart from the well-written script and the seamless story-telling, is how wonderfully spot-on it is cast. I can't stand the frivolous King Edward VIII (well-played by Guy Pearce), especially when "Berty"--King George VI to you!--asks him why he's busy, "doing what?" He replies, "Kinging!" Hilarious!
Go see it if you still haven't because as far as I know, this man, George VI, ended up to be truly an inspiration to his family and subjects throughout his rule, and rightfully so!
NOTE: King George VI is the father of Queen Elizabeth who is Prince Charles' mother and grandmother to Harry and William. ;)