The King's Speech tells the story of the relationship between Britain's reluctant King George VI, plagued by a nervous stammer, and the unorthodox Australian speech therapist who helps him.
The King's Speech has already been richly awarded at the BAFTAs, the Oscars and countless other award ceremonies across the world. It would be easy to dismiss such a high-flyer as deliberate award bait - the Academy do love a royal drama, especially if you throw a 'succeeding against the odds' story of bravery and determination into the mix. But let's not get too cynical. This is a superb film, and a deserved winner of the accolades thrown its way both here and in the States, whilst still entertaining audiences in cinemas across the globe. I'm sure the Blu-ray disc and DVD will sell by the Royal-carriage-load.
King George VI, known as Albert or Bertie amongst his family, suffered from a speech impediment. He stuttered and faltered when he talked, and from a young age found it hard to get all his words out. Before he became king, his wife decided to seek guidance from a speech therapist. His name was Lionel Logue; an Australian who had built up a quiet reputation by using unorthodox methods in treating impediments such as Albert's.
This little known aspect of the King's life makes for stirring cinema, as it allows the audience to empathise with the Royal family without normalising their very different way of life. Stephen Frears's film The Queen in 2006 was also successful in this endeavour, although The King's Speech, directed by Tom Hopper (whose other credits include The Damned United and Prime Suspect), is perhaps a more personal look at the royal family. We certainly feel involved in Albert's struggles as Dr. Logue (played by the wonderful Geoffrey Rush) tries to smooth out the stammers that plague his public addresses.
Within minutes of seeing Albert, Logue has him reading a section from Shakespeare's Hamlet absolutely flawlessly, without one stammer or stumble. This is achieved by playing music through headphones which Albert listens to so he cannot hear his own voice. Though consistently sceptical and unconvinced about Logue's methods, Albert eventually submits himself to Logue's treatment, and the film beautifully depicts the complicated and at times strained friendship that develops between the two men. David Seidler's sparkling script offers up some refreshing humour via sharp banter, particularly when Albert is advised to try using expletives as a way of fending off impending stammers in his sentences (something which the movie initially received a 15 certificate for, though this was changed to a 12A after the studio appealed). The pivotal moment in the film, and the one the title refers to, is the King's 1939 speech to the nation when war is declared on Germany, and although some may have heard recordings of the speech before, the way it is presented in the film, and the moments leading up to it, renders it immensely and refreshingly powerful.
Helena Bonham Carter as Queen Elizabeth, recently seen as the bonkers Bellatrix in Harry Potter, is as much a revelation as Firth, and with her matter-of-fact and forthright manner she provides a nice contrast to Albert's sense of inferiority and insecurity. Her reaction to her immature brother-in-law's house parties is delicious to watch, and when he abdicates, leaving Albert to take the thrown, she dutifully and tenderly supports her husband during his darkest moments of trepidation.
Further touches of genius in this splendid picture come from Alexandre Desplat's sublime music score. Similar to his compositions for The Queen, his score is subtle but majestic, calm but powerful, and probably his best soundtrack since his sumptuous work on the second Twilight film. It is a shame he did not take home the Oscar for Best Original Score.
The King's Speech is rousing, inspiring and richly rewarding. Millions of people have flocked to see it in the cinemas, and by buying a copy of the Blu-ray or DVD you will not only have a piece of compelling entertainment to put on the TV, but you'll also own the film that further proves that Britain is still a world-class force in the cinema industry. Buy it. Your country needs you.
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Please note this is a region B Blu-ray and will require a region B or region free Blu-ray player in order to play. The nation awaits. Based on King George VI's rise to the throne, Tom Hooper's Oscar-winning The King's Speech stars Colin Firth as the titular monarch on a quest to find his voice. After the death of his father, King George V (Michael Gambon), and the scandalous abdication of King Edward VIII (Guy Pearce), Bertie (Colin Firth), who has suffered from a debilitating speech impediment all his life, is suddenly crowned King George VI of England. With his country on the brink of war and in desperate need of a leader, his wife, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), the future Queen Mother, arranges for her husband to see an eccentric speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). After a rough start, the two delve into an unorthodox course of treatment and eventually form an unbreakable bond. With the support of Logue, his family, his government and Winston Churchill (Timothy Spall), the King will overcome his stammer and deliver a radio-address that inspires his people and unites them in battle. Widely praised by critics, The King's Speech received 12 Academy Award nominations, winning Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director (Tom Hooper), Best Actor (Colin Firth), and Best Original Screenplay (David Seidler). Commentary with director tom hooper An inspirational story of an unlikely friendship - The making of The King's Speech An interview with mark logue (co-author of The King's Speech: how one man saved the british monarchy) Speeches from the real King George VI Production sketches from academy award nominated Production designer Eve Stewart Photo gallery including a look behind the scenes
Award-winning drama from director Tom Hooper telling the story of the relationship formed between King George VI (Colin Firth, in a Golden Globe and Oscar-winning performance) and his speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). After reluctantly acceding to the throne when his older brother Edward VIII (Guy Pearce) abdicates, George, or Bertie to his family and friends, is forced to act when his stutter leads to concerns about his leadership. Help is soon at hand, however, when he employs unconventional speech therapist Lionel Logue, who, using previously untried techniques, begins to bring about improvements in George's speech. As the relationship between the two begins to strengthen, the King's new found confidence grows, just in time for him to lead his country through its gravest hour. The film netted seven BAFTAs, including Outstanding British Film, and won a further four Academy Awards, including Best Film.
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