The King's Speech

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.

Susan Dunlap: The musician's daughter

One thing I'd like to make clear is that not all the books, music etc that I'm writing about I recommend or I consider favorites. Obviously most of my posts will be on likes - especially since if I knew I wasn't interested in something I wouldn't read, listen or watch it in the first place - but basically I plan to just write about things as I come across them and give my honest opinion.
That said - my latest read was The musician's daughter by Susan Dunlap, which falls into the category of books that are not going in my favorites. Not that I think it's bad, and depending on what you like to read it may be a good book for you, but it's certainly not great literature.
It's a historical novel about a young girl living in Haydn's Vienna whose father (a violinist at the court of prince Esterhazy) is murdered. The young protagonist, Theresa, starts investigating her father's death and finds that he was involved in political affairs aiding the Gypsies who live in a camp on the outskirts of town and their relations in Hungary, in an intrigue of blackmail, falsehood and music. Thus, a whirlwind adventure ensues involving the beginning of love, working as a copyist for her beloved godfather Haydn, her strict pregant mother and a powerful cruel uncle.
I have to say, the novel - which I believe is marketed towards young adults - is very well plotted and suspenseful. I personally bought it for a long plane ride and it was perfect, since I had trouble reading the better written and more interesting novel that I had taken, due to continuous interruptions and lack of sleep. Probably if I were still in my teens I would have enjoyed it more. I recommend it if you want a fast read and if you like historical novels, but don't expect well constructed and believable characters, deep reflections or true to fact history.
In that case, you may very well enjoy it.