'The King's Speech'

'The King's Speech' (R) (3 1/2 stars)

Writer: David Seidler
Director: Tom Hooper
Starring: Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter, Geoffrey Rush, Guy Pearce, Jennifer
Ehle, Derek Jacobi, Tomothy Spall, Michael Gambon

"The King's Speech" tells the story of King George VI who had a hard time communicating because he had a speech impediment. I usually am very indifferent about historical epics and movies about royalty because most are stodgy and dull. "The King's Speech" is not an epic and never dull, it is in fact an uplifting and compelling, intimate drama. I didn't expect to be choked up and crying my eyes out at the end of this movie, very powerful stuff. Colin Firth plays George VI and the actor gives a career defining performance that is one of the best of this or any other year. Firth is outstanding in a performance that is quiet, never flashy and grounded in humility. George VI had a terrible stuttering problem and we first see him making a speech for his father for the public and it does not go well. This is a problem that has bothered George for a long time. His wife Elizabeth goes to find someone to help her husband with his impediment. She finds a sometime actor and speech therapist to help her husband. The first meeting does not go too well because George is hopeless and doesn't believe anyone can help. The therapist, Lionel Logue, does something very smart to convince George to stick with him and we are off and running.

The movie has another part of the story that I was not as into and that dealt with who would take over the throne after George's father passes away. George's brother, Edward, was a playboy and was cheating on his wife and when he was picked to claim the throne it ended quickly. The scenes that deal with Edward are the least interesting but that is minor. With Edward out that forces George to improve his speech if he wants to be a King that communicates to the people with confidence. The scenes with George and Lionel are very entertaining, funny and touching. A beautiful friendship starts between the two and by the end they are there for each other completely. Geoffrey Rush plays Lionel and he is just as great as Firth. Rush hasn't been this great in ages and here he is charming, funny and winning. Helena Bonham Carter who plays Elizabeth is also amazing here, funny and beguiling.

In the end King George VI has to make an important speech to the public about going to war after his work with Lionel. This is a very suspenseful, powerful and touching scene that brought me to tears. Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush are so great in this scene and the music adds power. I admire what the King has to go through with his speech impediment and the bravery it took in working to fix it. I have a hard time speaking in public to my associates at work, it takes me hours to prepare and get up my nerve. So I can imagine how hard it was for the King who has it even worse with the stuttering problem and he is speaking to all of England! Tom Hooper does a great job just shooting this movie with a simple beauty. It is an uplifting, inspirational drama that has great performances. Colin Firth's performance is what careers are defined by and it is amazing. This is the performance that wins awards and Firth will win them all I assure you. This had more of an effect on me then I was prepared for. This is a rich and rewarding movie experience that just might surprise you also.