Movie Review: The King's Speech

Yes yes I know....this British historical drama film came out months ago and here I am coming out with the review only now. I have the lamest excuse in the world for taking my own sweet time and that is that I was busy on the workfront 😛

Honestly, I have been wanting to watch this movie ever since I first heard about it. The Oscar buzz made me all the more inquisitive. This weekend I thought I should not put it off any longer. Armed with a bag each of Garett CheeseCorn and CaramelCrisp popcorn, I sat down to watch The King's Speech with my hubby.

***Plot***

In The King's Speech, the second son of King George V, the Duke of York, struggles with a serious speech disorder. He cannot complete a single sentence without stuttering, lapsing into awkward silences and breaking into a cold sweat. His eyes dart sideways filled with the angst of being a disappointment and he finds himself unable to focus when he has to read out a speech for a radio broadcast or speak in a public gathering. 

His attempt at delivering a closing speech on behalf of his father at the 1925 British Empire Exhibition at Wembley Stadium turns into a disaster which demoralizes him further. His devoted wife Elizabeth seems to be the only person who is sympathetic to his anguish. Together, they consult several experts and try different techniques to bring the stammering under control but to no avail. All these failed attempts end up infuriating the Duke of York to the extent that he gives up all hope of being able to conquer his speech impediment. 

When Elizabeth comes across an Australian speech therapist called Lionel Logue in the local classifieds, she coaxes her skeptical husband to give it one more shot. The story revolves around how the eccentric Australian with his unorthodox methods attempts to rid the King of his speech impediment. Getting through to the stubborn King proves to be one of the biggest challenges that Lionel has to face. 

As the movie progresses, you get an insight into the burdens of being a royal as the King's unhappy childhood, taunts and humiliation from his older brother, the loss of a loved one and and the demands of an unsympathetic father begin to surface. When the time comes for the King to deliver his own speech on Britain's declaration of war on Germany via a radio broadcast, he is forced to take on his biggest challenge head on. 

My thoughts...

In my opinion, The King's Speech is a delightful historical drama. Realistic, stylish and moving. 

Colin Firth is absolutely captivating as the main protagonist. I have always liked him as an actor. He completely deserves all the accolades that have come his way for his role in the film. As King George VI who reluctantly become heir to the throne after his father's death and brother's abdication, he displays the more humane façade of the British monarchy. The royals have always been perceived to have a stiff upper lip. As representatives of the monarchy, they are expected to project a certain image which involves a flawless manner of following protocol, speaking, dressing and conducting  themselves in public. To fall short is embarrassing not only to the institution but also to their country. With an authentic and compelling performance, Colin Firth is able to evoke understanding and compassion in the audience for his character. 

As far as the other performances go, Helena Bonham Carter is such a gifted actress that she can convincingly play the role of a dignified Queen (Elizabeth) and that of a wicked witch (Bellatrix) with ease. Geoffrey Rush as the King's speech therapist pitches in a great performance in a supporting role. The accessory characters are competent. But reiterating, Colin Firth steals the show all the way. This movie belongs to him and quite ironically, he leaves you speechless with his performance.

I don't know how accurately the historical events have been depicted in this movie but it appears to be quite authentic in its treatment. I read somewhere that Queen Elizabeth II, the reigning monarch and daughter of King George VI, was reported to be "touched by a moving portrayal of her father". I would think that the filmmakers would be as delighted with that as they would have been winning the Oscar for Best picture. 

This is not just a movie about an individual's struggle with a speech impediment but it is a movie about conquering your fears, believing in yourself, trusting people and the power of friendship. What I enjoyed is the way the delicate subject has been handled, peppered with humor, wit and a general light-heartedness. Watch it if you haven't done so already. 

Highly recommended.


My rating for this film is

Cheers,

Megha