The King's Speech

Starring Colin Furth, Geoffrey Rush,  Helena Bonham Carter and Guy Pearce

Directed by Tom Hooper

Release Date: December 10th, 2010

A stunning display over the determination of the Duke of York and his dedication to his country in 1930's England.

In 1930s England, King George V (Gambon) rules over the land as a powerful monarch and a commanding speaker to his country. His son, Duke of York Albert George (Firth), has a stutter and a fear of one day ruling in his father's absence. After seeing the best physicians and doctors in the country, Albert's wife Elizabeth (Bonham Carter) discovers a speech therapist named Lionel Logue with an unconventional style that may cure Albert of his stutter and gain a composure suited for a king. Soon, Albert's brother David (Pearce) has abdicated the throne and now Duke of York Albert has become King George VI of England....

The King's Speech, based on the true relationship between George VI and Lionel Logue, is a riveting drama where the spoken word commands all and the ability to speak one's mind is of the highest importance, whether they be king or commoner. The attention to every word spoken, to the impact of conversation amongst the royal family, is a battle of wills and power that is stagging to behold yet so familiar the audience can relate to Albert's struggle to control his stammer and speak his mind. Speaking of Albert, Colin Firth is staggeringly fantastic as Albert, moving through the room as a royal yet wanting to know the life that an everyday Englishman goes through. There's a striking sadness when Albert pours out his soul to Lionel, such as when the two have a session where Lionel instructs Albert to "sing" everything he wants to say. The rest of the cast is fantastic, from co-star/executive producer Geoffrey Rush, to Timothy Spall doing an amazing performance capturing the nuances of Winston Churchill.

A tale of a man trying to express his presence and authority in times of war, The King's Speech is an amazing story with a stellar cast of British and Australian talent.
 
Rating: * * * * 1/2 of 5