It was supposed to be a low budget independent english movie with no huge expectations, but The King’s Speech turned out to be an outstanding and oscar-winning film that with its warmth and delicate shyness has stricken many viewers around the world.
The Duke of York is forced to become the next King George VI thanks to his brother Edward, who abdicates and leaves him with all the royal burden on his shoulders. But since childhood George is affected by a not-so-royal stammer that does not allow him
to be considered a trustworthy and convincing king. With the help of speech specialist Lionel Logue, “Bertie” will find confidence and the strength to face his new role.
Colin Firth gives a brilliant performance, and his stuttering speeches convey all of his frailty and humanity, whereas Geoffrey Rush, playing the eccentric and savvy Logue, is the perfect flashy counterpart of the shy and vulnerable king. The two build an intimate friendship and together they go beyond the rules of royal protocols, managing to lead England through the dark years of WWII. War that is always in the background – as well as the new role of the radio – and while George finds his way to a perfect diction, the looming fears of nazism help creating a constant tension. A great movie, with great performances – also Helena Bonham Carter as Queen Elizabeth does a wonderful job – and well written. Every word the two leads utter has a particular meaning, and no sound is nonsense, even when Logue makes the King practice with silly and funny exercises. Delicate, intimate and heartfelt, The King’s Speech might not be the most entertaining and spectacular movie among the ones nominated for Best Picture, and it can be seen as cleverly produced in an Oscar perspective, but it surely is surprisingly intense and it conquered the heart of many.
