The latest movie starring the great Colin Firth is definitely worth the watch. Tom Hooper's
The King's Speech is the true story of George VI of Britain's impromptu ascension to the throne and his relationship with speech therapist Lionel Logue (the wonderful Geoffrey Rush) and it hasn't earned 12 Academy Award nominations for nothing.The film follows the path of recent British cinema (think
The Queen) in revealing the weaker side of its royals, without belittleling them. Firth's great peformance - from the very first scene you can just see the pain in his face as he struggles with his impediment - actually makes his character appear honourable and brave, as he faces the unwanted rule over the British Empire and his paralyzing fear of public speaking. In an era dominated by the radio, when across the channel Hitler is awing arenas with his voice, stammering is no small problem. But the encouraging Lionel Logue is firmly convinced that the stutter can be overcome, if only the patient will believe it. The best scenes are those involving the two main actors during the actual therapy. The difference not only of roles, but of personalities is underlined, but only so that the true closeness that grows between them can shine all the more brightly. Even though the speach sessions range from physical exercises to motivational lessons, bordering on psychoanalysis, the movie is really about friendship and what it can do. Witty dialogue, beautiful photography and an array of brilliant actors (see how many of BBC's
Pride and Prejudice performers you can spot) bring this absorbing character study to life. It is the superb acting, in particular that opens up the viewer to a story he may not otherwise be interested in. If, on the other hand, you're always game for a feel-good history lesson - or anything with Colin Firth - then you can't miss it.
