'The King's Speech' Reviewed by Simon Howard

The King’s Speech (12A) 118 mins

Director: Tom Hooper

Cast: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Timothy Spall

Rating: ***** (5 stars)

By Simon Howard

The story of King George VI and his stammer may be perceived by many as a dull and un-interesting subject matter for a Hollywood hit. But the film on everybody’s lips since its release in early January has been The King’s Speech. At the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles, it was rewarded with a staggering FOUR Oscar’s, for Best Picture, Director, Actor and Original Screenplay. In a year where several great films were released (The Social Network and Inception are modern classics) it was this heart warming British drama which stood out above all others.


Set at a time when radio and newsreels were on the rise, and the public could now listen to their leaders, the story is a simple and beautiful one, of friendship and overcoming adversity. After the death of his father King George V and the scandalous abdication of his brother King Edward VIII, Bertie is suddenly crowned as King George VI..With the country on the brink of war and in desperate need of a leader, his wife Elizabeth (the future Queen Mother) arranges for the King to see eccentric speech therapist Lionel Logue to cure his life-long speech impediment.


It is the relationship between the King and his Australian therapist which stands out above all others. The complexities of their personalities mean the clash between the unstoppable force of Logue and the immovable object of the King is an intriguing and delightful duel throughout. Great pleasure is taken in seeing the pair develop from initially distrusting and disliking one another to relying on each other as friends, when he is thrust onto the throne and World War II begins.


Colin Firth gives a masterful performance, one full of passion and commitment- the way he was able to teach himself to obtain a stammer is nothing short of remarkable. He powerfully conveys the agony his stutter causes him, as well as his conviction that by not being able to master it he is not living up to his royal obligations.


Rush is delightful with his unorthodox and controversial methods (those are the King’s least favourite words), and his playful teasing. His insistence on calling His Majesty ‘Bertie’ creates great humour and camaraderie. Logue is a man who at the same time must cure his own demons, with his sense of failure coming from never having made it as a professional actor.


An all-star cast supports the two leads. Helena Bonham Carter was unfortunate not to receive an Oscar of her own for her commanding performance as the robustly supportive Elizabeth, but she is not the only one who emerges with credit. Timothy Spall is excellent as future Prime Minister Winston Churchill; Michael Gambon’s appearance is all too brief as George V, whilst Guy Pearce brings life to the abdicating brother.


Director Tom Hooper is a well-renowned storyteller, who brings intelligence, variety and pace to this traditional story, as he has done in the past with The Damned United. He keeps the audience fully engaged and ensures the King’s dilemma never feels anything less than real.


Stylishly produced throughout, it left me, like so many others, leaving the cinema proud to be British! A stunning and hugely enjoyable triumph which is fully deserving of all the awards it has had lavished upon it.