Let's Begin with a Beauty; The King's Speech

Before I begin posting my reviews of selected 2011 films each of which I will bestow a 1-5 star rating, I respectfully share my winner by far for 2010, The King's Speech.

The King’s Speech

A Royal “Ten” from 2010; Drama (and witty Comedy) Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, directed by Tom Hooper.

It certainly is not often that any film instills a solid 5-star rating from me. Movies like Titanic, 1997 and my 2009 favorite, Blindside (Sandra Bullock) come to mind. These works comprise a tight group of rare films who truly scrape off, stir, and facilitate a bubbling of emotion from deep within the soul. The King’s Speech resonates empathy, triumph, adversity and humour,  all entwined within a true historical drama.

I was thrilled to attend the premiere of this film at TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) in September 2010. The memorable unveiling of The King’s Speech was surpassed only by the surprise of lead actor Colin Firth, supporting actor Geoffrey Rush, and director Tom Hooper, sauntering onto the stage following the film’s debut for an audience chit-chat. The crowd had remained standing, clapping, and cheering at what had just been witnessed. Interesting was the age span in the audience; 20-80 years old, who had largely chuckled and wept together during this tremendous story. All seemed thrilled with the impromptu candid dialogue about the process of making the movie. At the completion of TIFF, the People’s Choice film award was allocated to The King's Speech voted by viewers as the best movie among over 300 films displayed during the festival. 
Not surprising, was the film's  impressive run during award season. The Kings’s Speech proceeded to win numerous accolades; A Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild Awards nestled among 10 Oscar nominations (winning four) including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay.

The plot explores the creative linguistic interactions of “Bertie” (Colin Firth) and his Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). What is it about this real-life story that warmly delivers a glimpse of a stuttering prince and a quirky speech therapist who just happen to click? The story reveals a previously hidden account of a royal who reluctantly agrees to grapple with yet another alternative speech therapy. Only with the sensitive encouragement of his wife and  personal mounting despair, does he  finally agree to give Lionel's methods a try. The storyline is serious yet humorous, disturbing yet endearing. Their friendship is an unlikely meeting of opposites in so many ways. You are compelled to root for any discovery of possible “common” ground amid the patient-“physician” rather unorthodox speech therapy sessions.  You wonder what the odds are that Bertie may actually be thrust into the limelight to replace his brother as monarch.

Adding to the mix of intrigue are the many subplots; elder brother David’s antics, Bertie’s despairing childhood memories of his nanny, the possible ascension to the throne, the abdication and the pending war against Germany.  The storyline portrays an uplifting, witty account of the frustrations of a real-life heart-wrenching impediment, during a very dismal time period in history.
The acting is superlative. Colin Firth is exquisite, as the handsome prince (classic!) embracing his role spontaneously stuttering whilst also wincing with tension in his attempts to force emergence of stalled words. The audience cringes along with him. Geoffrey Rush with an ever-present twinkle in his eyes and impeccably timed sarcasm does not disappoint. He creates audience giggles thankfully easing the tension that embues the drama. Helena Bonham Carter who  portrays Elizabeth I also affectionately known over the years as the Queen Mother, is Bertie’s tender supportive wife.

Her character demonstrates a steadfast love in a sweet, perceptive manner. She and Bertie enjoy genuine interactions with their two daughters, Princess Elizabeth, the current monarch and Princess Margaret. Their family time is playful and simple in stark contrast to the perpetual pressures of the regimented "stuff" required of a British monarch's existence.

Tom Hooper compels us to examine our own imperfections. We draw an unusual comfort in the realization that royalty also experiences despair and hurt. We gratefully recognize that occasionally in life, the most unlikely of acquaintances can offer us precious solace while facing adversity. The notion of "I can't" is  cast aside. The King’s Speech unearths the beauty in discovering true friendship and presents the rewards of overcoming personal challenges.
Colin Firth has since fittingly experienced royalty firsthand.   He was invited to  dine with both  Queen Elizabeth II and President Barack Obama (May 25, 2011) at Buckingham palace. I wonder if a knighthood ceremony is pending? I’ll bet ten shillings, you will enjoy watching this treasure of a film.

           

Colin Firth, President Obama, Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace