Kings Speech
Running time (excluding trailers): 118 minutes
Genre: Historical Drama
Age Rating: 15
Stars: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter
“Why should I waste my time listening to you? Because I have a voice! Yes, you do” is one of the memorable and fitting quotes from one of the most utterly outstanding British films of the year.
Colin Firth portrays Prince Bertie; Duke of York, in the 1930’s who suffers with a stammer. This film shows you Bertie’s transition from Prince to King with all the bumps and highs along the way. The majority of the film is based around the relationships between Bertie and his family, and his newly appointed speech therapist, Lionel Logue played by Geoffrey Rush. After a delivering a disappointing speech filled with awkward silences and stammers, his wife Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, played by Helena Bonham Carter, seeks out the help of Lionel, the speech therapist, whom is battling his own demons of being a failed actor. After a few sessions Bertie’s speech is improving considerably and there is a visible connection and growing friendship between the Duke of York and the Australian speech therapist. Just as everything is going smoothly, Bertie suffers a knockback when his father King George V, played by Michael Gambon, passes away. Now Bertie’s ne’er do well Brother David, takes his father’s place of King. King David steps down from the role after pursuing a relationship with Mrs. Simpson, whom was recently a divorced woman. Now the role of King rests on Bertie’s shoulders, and with a new era of radio looming there has never been a worse time for the newly appointed King George VI (Bertie feels that taking his middle name would be a more appropriate name for a king). Bertie is now determined more than ever to defeat his stammer and his work with Lionel becomes more frequent than ever with pleasing results, and the two become inseparable. Nevertheless Lionel becomes very aware that his frequent presence with the King is not well received with the Archbishop of Canterbury. Things soon turn sour as Lionel speaks out of turn and the King’s cold, harsh, royal arrogant tongue puts him in his place. Can the two turn it around with a lengthy speech airing on the radio in the very near future for the King? Will the King ever be rid of his stammer? All I can say is go and see it.
Colin Firth portrays Prince Bertie; Duke of York, in the 1930’s who suffers with a stammer. This film shows you Bertie’s transition from Prince to King with all the bumps and highs along the way. The majority of the film is based around the relationships between Bertie and his family, and his newly appointed speech therapist, Lionel Logue played by Geoffrey Rush. After a delivering a disappointing speech filled with awkward silences and stammers, his wife Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, played by Helena Bonham Carter, seeks out the help of Lionel, the speech therapist, whom is battling his own demons of being a failed actor. After a few sessions Bertie’s speech is improving considerably and there is a visible connection and growing friendship between the Duke of York and the Australian speech therapist. Just as everything is going smoothly, Bertie suffers a knockback when his father King George V, played by Michael Gambon, passes away. Now Bertie’s ne’er do well Brother David, takes his father’s place of King. King David steps down from the role after pursuing a relationship with Mrs. Simpson, whom was recently a divorced woman. Now the role of King rests on Bertie’s shoulders, and with a new era of radio looming there has never been a worse time for the newly appointed King George VI (Bertie feels that taking his middle name would be a more appropriate name for a king). Bertie is now determined more than ever to defeat his stammer and his work with Lionel becomes more frequent than ever with pleasing results, and the two become inseparable. Nevertheless Lionel becomes very aware that his frequent presence with the King is not well received with the Archbishop of Canterbury. Things soon turn sour as Lionel speaks out of turn and the King’s cold, harsh, royal arrogant tongue puts him in his place. Can the two turn it around with a lengthy speech airing on the radio in the very near future for the King? Will the King ever be rid of his stammer? All I can say is go and see it.
Colin Firth demonstrates how acting should be done in this film. He gives off such a warm and sympathetic performance and portrays the Duke of York so brilliantly that he actually draws you in thinking your right next to him, feeling his every emotion. His performance is believable, and his acting is at its highest peak.
Helena Bonham Carter plays the Duke of York’s wife Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, a woman who is incredibly supportive of her husband. It’s a far cry away from her usual dark, unconventional characters; nonetheless she makes the perfect companion for Colin.
Helena Bonham Carter plays the Duke of York’s wife Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, a woman who is incredibly supportive of her husband. It’s a far cry away from her usual dark, unconventional characters; nonetheless she makes the perfect companion for Colin.
It is clear to see that the directing and writing for this film is impeccable. Everything was obviously thoroughly researched and planned. From the major to the minor details, everything has its authenticity. Tom Hooper really has surpassed everyone’s expectations and has come a long way from his time during Eastenders.
I believe there are some hidden messages in this film and were cleverly written in. I think that this film shows that; the most unlikely and strongest relationships can survive the toughest of times. It is the little things like this and the authenticity and believability of the film that makes it utter spellbinding. It truly captures the heart of the 1930’s period. People of all ages will thoroughly enjoy this film, a pleaser all round.
Now that you’ve read my review there is only one thing left to do.... go and see it, you won’t regret it.
Click the link below to see the trailer.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAm7gRXFiRo
Click the link below to see the trailer.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAm7gRXFiRo
I might just do that :)
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