MyRating: YYYYYDirector: Tom Hooper
Cast: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Guy Pearce, Michael Gambon, Timothy Spall, Derek Jacobi
MPAA: Rated R for some language
A fascinating British historical biopic drama about Prince Albert/King George VI (Colin Firth), the father of Queen Elizabeth II, who suffers from a lifelong stammer that makes him difficult to engage in any public speaking. Despite feeling unfit and reluctant, Albert has to assume the throne as the King of England after his elder brother, King Edward VIII (Guy Pierce), abdicates the throne. But as soon as he becomes King, and as he is expected to give speeches all the time, his real nightmares begin.
It's the story about the friendship between King George VI and Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), an unorthodox speech therapist, whom the King seeks for help in order to cure his tongue-tied. Using unusual techniques, which the King hates at first, including exploring the past sad experiences and trauma that the King has gone through in his childhood, Logue begins to understand where all the fears come from. And only after the King is willing to surrender and trust himself totally into Logue's method, he is able to see the progress. With the love and continuous supports from his wife, Queen Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Cater), and the miraculous coaches from Logue, the King finally sees himself as a true King, who can lead his country and comfort his people through one of the toughest times in history, World War II, but first, he has to prove that he can 'speak'.
This is one beautiful movie that steals my heart. Not because it got 12 Oscar nominations, and possibly will win the Best Picture. But after seeing it, I have to admit that it was indeed 'wonderful' and the nominations are surely worth it. The story was a charming, funny, and hilarious at times, especially when seeing the peculiar method, yet brilliant, that Logue used to train the King. It will draw a smile in your face, and in your heart. It is a movie that will leave you with heartwarming after watching it and makes you feel good. A great well written screenplay by David Seidler with many clever dialogues, and a great direction by Tom Hooper, with beautiful art direction and cinematography. Some of the shots were looked like being shot a bit from the bottom-up. I don't know whether it was only my feeling, but it think some of the shots were purposely being shot that way in order to show the inferiority of a man.
But what made this movie trully standout was the superb actings and performances by the stars. Colin Firth was amazingly great in his impersonation as the stutter King. He really made us tired with him by seeing and waiting him to finish his lines. And we felt pity for him for all his strugglings with strained muscles in his neck everytime he needed to speak. Yet, his acting was very believable. It's time for him to get an Oscar recognition for his brilliant work here. Definitely the greatest and the most memorable role of his career.
Geoffrey Rush was another splendid cast here as the King's speech therapist. Outspoken, brave, a believer, and no compromise in forcing his own way, even when he has to do it in a smart way when dealing with the King. This is an example of a great and enticing character, and Rush scored it with his marvelous acting that made him and his character so much fun to watch. And he seemed to do it easily, what a great actor. Another strong performance by a Supporting Actor of the year. Helena Bonham Carter also gave a very good performance as the King's wife with her agile mimics.
The chemistry between Firth and Rush was bonded very solidly in the movie and worked so well as a strong acting force together. An inspiring and true friendship that the real characters had until the end of their lives. What a wonderful movie that has bonded my heart. Long live the King! (MJ)
