The movie centers around the story of King George VI, or Bertie (Colin Firth) as his family calls him. Bertie, the son of King George V, has gone through the majority of his life with a debilitating stammer. Imagine the problem that ensues when you become the King of England and you can't seem to deliver a speech to your people. After trying countless different doctors and methods, Bertie has given up on seeking help. However, his wife (Helena Bonham Carter) does not. She somehow finds a rather unorthodox speech specialist by the name of Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). The remainder of the film details the interesting relationship between Lionel and the newly-appointed king.
It goes without saying that the acting in this movie was incredible, so I won't dwell on that.
I will, however, dwell on the captivating story. Yes, it's a period piece, but it's also so much more than that. You think that a movie about a king with a speech problem is going to be a bore, but you'd be wrong. What struck me was the way Lionel never backed down from the king. Despite the fact that he was dealing with British royalty, Lionel (obviously of middle class) required that he be treated as an equal in order for treatment to commence. I actually think that was a large theme of the film -- Bertie finding a way to not only communicate with but also relate to the common man. The two made an interesting duo, and it was a joy to see their relationship go from heartwarming highs to heart-wrenching lows. There were also plenty of laughs along the way.
I also found it interesting that while all this inner turmoil was going on within the king, a World War was brewing outside. It provided an interesting juxtaposition. A dichotomy of two simultaneous wars going on, both of which required the king's perseverance and strength of heart.
Unlike the other speech therapists who attempted to cure the king, Lionel wanted to get to the root of the problem. What unfolds is an intense history of family pressures (similar to any ordinary family but on a much grander scale of intensity), self doubt and self-deprecation. It's hard to imagine ever feeling sorry for someone who comes from such a blessed life circumstance, but this movie does just that. There is much more to this man than one could have ever imagined. It is truly an inspiration to see his journey and his transition into the man he inevitably became. The man his country needed at a time when the world was at war and they needed someone to look to for strength and guidance.
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Genre: Drama
Synopsis: The story of King George VI of Britain, his impromptu ascension to the throne and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch become worthy of it.
Rated: R
Running Time: 1 hr. 51 min.
In Theaters: Nov 26, 2010 Limited
On DVD: Apr 19, 2011
Box Office:$132.5M
Running Time: 1 hr. 51 min.
In Theaters: Nov 26, 2010 Limited
On DVD: Apr 19, 2011
Box Office:$132.5M
Distributor:The Weinstein Company
Directed By: Tom Hooper
Written By: David Seidler
Directed By: Tom Hooper
Written By: David Seidler
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