The King's Speech
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Directed by: Tom Hooper; Starring: Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter, Geoffrey Rush, Guy Pierce, Timothy Spall, Jennifer Ehle, Micheal Gambon, Derek Jacobi.
Rating: 8.5/10
GIVEN that we are just a matter of days into 2011, it seems a little ridiculous to say this, but here goes anyway...
If you see only one film this year, make it The King's Speech.
Already tipped for Oscar success, The King's Speech is a touching story of the man (Firth) who, through the abdication of his brother Edward (Pierce), went on to become King George VI.
Plagued by a dreaded stutter and considered unfit to become king, he employs an unorthodox Australian speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Rush), who helps the heir to the throne free himself from his powerlessness.
The success of the film lies in the combination of a classic triumph over adversity story well told and the towering performances of its central characters.
Rush, who already has a best leading actor Oscar on his mantlepiece for his portrayal of a troubled pianist in the 1996 movie, Shine, allows Firth centre stage here in a majestic, understated support role.
His quirky take on the unconventional therapist who is not afraid to stand up to the British establishment despite crushing disappointments and knockbacks in his own personal life is every bit as deserving of the Oscar success for which Firth is now hotly tipped.
It looks like being an excellent year for the latter who is already nominated for an Oscar for his leading role in A Single Man. After being catapulted into the public spotlight for his portrayal of Mr Darcy in the 1995 TV mini-series of Pride and Prejudice, he has managed to escape stereotype following a string of dashing leading men roles spanning the best part of a decade.
Anyone easily offended by bad language should be aware of several instances of the 'F' word, used in a speech therapy context during one scene.
What stands out though is the kindness, courage, and vulnerability Firth manages to invest in the leading role.
When you can count on the support of luminaries such as Bonham Carter, Jacobi and Spall (Queen Elizabeth, Archbishop Cosmo and Winston Churchill respectively) in supporting roles, you know you're on to a winner.
* The King's Speech is being screened at Eden Court until January 27. For full listings see
