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The King’s Speech is the latest home-grown film that’s been
making waves on both sides of the Atlantic ,
garnering Golden Globe nominations and raising Oscar hopes for those involved.
There is always a worry that critical acclaim and awards’
talk does not necessarily guarantee an entertaining film (yes, I’m looking at
you, The English Patient). However
that scepticism is rapidly washed away as the film proves equally as
entertaining for the public as for the critics.
Colin Firth will surely be clearing a space on his
mantelpiece, owing to his magnificent portrayal of the future George VI,
struggling with a severe stammer that hampers all attempts at public speaking.
When a country needs a King to speak for them, what use is a King without a
voice?
The future Queen Mother (Helena Bonham Carter) enlists the
services of unconventional speech therapist, Geoffery Rush to aid her husband.
It is this relationship that the film focuses upon, as the ‘commoner’, Rush
begins an uneasy friendship with the future King, much to the latter’s initial
discomfort.
The film encompasses wider events; from the relationship
between Edward and Wallis Simpson; to the rise of Hitler and the build up to
World War Two; the director Tom Hooper convinces in his depiction of this time,
and elicits exemplary performances from his actors (a miscast Timothy Spall as
Churchill is the sole exception).
At its heart the story is not so much about royalty, but
rather a universal tale of friendship and a man’s attempt to overcome
adversity. That he happens to be the King naturally gives the story added
weight, and will undoubtedly help in the American market, but even for those
who are not ardent monarchists, it is still a moving, funny, and inspirational
tale and highly recommended.
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