Watch The King's Speech
- R
- 2010
- 1 hr 59 min
-
8.0 (712,145)
The King's Speech is a historical drama film that revolves around the life of King George VI of Britain, played by the brilliant actor Colin Firth. The movie tells the story of how the king, known as Bertie to his family and friends, overcame his crippling stammer with the help of an unorthodox speech therapist, played by Geoffrey Rush.
The film opens with King George V on his deathbed, and his eldest son, Edward VIII, getting ready to take over the throne. However, Edward's love affair with a married American woman, Wallis Simpson, forces him to abdicate, leaving Bertie as the next in line to become king. Bertie is hesitant and nervous about his new role since his stammer makes it impossible for him to address the nation without embarrassment.
The movie then takes us through Bertie's journey to overcome his speech impediment. His wife, Queen Elizabeth, played by Helena Bonham Carter, finds an unorthodox speech therapist, Lionel Logue, who uses unconventional methods such as music and tongue twisters to help Bertie improve his speech. Their sessions together are initially awkward, with Bertie being reluctant to trust Lionel and the process. Still, they slowly develop a strong bond, and it is through this friendship that Bertie finally finds the courage to address his nation during World War II.
Apart from portraying King George VI's personal story, The King's Speech also highlights the political landscape of Britain in the years leading up to the war. The movie depicts the influence of the media on public opinion during the earlier half of the 20th century. It also shows the tense relationship between Bertie and his older brother, who abdicated the throne for love. Through their conversations and interactions, we see how deep-rooted family issues and personal struggles deeply affect the workings of the monarchy.
Colin Firth's performance in this movie is truly exceptional. He portrays Bertie's character with great depth and sensitivity, capturing his vulnerability and the underlying strength that lies beneath his struggle with his speech. Geoffrey Rush, who plays Lionel Logue, also delivers an outstanding performance, bringing warmth and humor to a character that could have easily been played as an unpleasant caricature. Bonham Carter's performance adds a great deal of nuance to the character of Queen Elizabeth, who is shown to be strong-willed and supportive of her husband's plight.
The King's Speech is a well-crafted movie that is beautifully shot, with meticulous attention paid to every detail, from the interior design of royal palaces to the costumes worn by actors. It captures the essence of the era, the language, and the social mores of the time, the attention to which has nabbed the film numerous accolades.
In conclusion, The King's Speech is a gripping historical drama film that delves into the personal history of a king, and how he overcame his biggest challenge with the help of an unorthodox friend. The movie is beautifully acted, well-written, and an incredible journey that makes you root for Bertie's success. It is a movie that deserves all the accolades, including Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Original Screenplay, and more.
The King's Speech is a 2010 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 59 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0 and a MetaScore of 88.