“A ROYAL TREAT”
Starring: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Guy Pearce, and Timothy Spall
Directed by: Tom Hooper
MPAA Rating: R for some language
Genre: Historical, Drama, Biopic
Running Time: 1 hr 51 min
Distributed by: The Weinstein Company
By John Delia
The acting performances of the year are the main reason to see the true historical movie The King’s Speech a period piece that takes place in England during the mid 1930’s. Stellar performances by both Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush make this film a must see. The storyline is a true, one that dramatically affected England during the beginning of World War II. If you like films that are interesting, moving and biographical then The King’s Speech will leave you speechless.
The date1936, Europe has been overrun by Germany’s Nazi regime and threatening England. The British have King Edward on the throne, but he has his heart set on marrying a commoner that would force him to abdicate. His brother Prince Albert (Colin Firth) begins to worry, as he is not able to face crowds because of a speech impediment. After the parliament forces King Edward to step down, Prince Albert finds himself in a quandary and reluctantly seeks help from speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). Thus begins a partnership, an ordeal and a stroke of genius.
Rush gives a resolute performance as the staunch speech therapist that won’t give up or give in to the challenge of perfecting a King he has come to respect. Rush shows the tenacity and pride of Logue as he presses to complete his almost impossible task. But the praise goes to Firth who brought the stammering King to life. Holding character throughout, Firth never finches from the royal mystique of the English dynasty.
Direction by Tom Hooper (The Damned United) is pinpoint dead on making his characters real, enjoyable and interesting enough to make the film work. His strong suit is being able to hide the boredom that most British films carry with their stories. Here he interlaces dialog between Bonham Carter and Firth with Rush in arguments on why Logue should first work with the King and later continue. In the meantime Hooper slides in other historical tidbits like King George’s children who will become future monarchs.
The King’s Speech is rated R for some language some of which gets down right snippy.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A strong display of acting ability and story runs King’s Speech up the top ten ladder for 2010. (5 of 5)