The King’s Speech
What a great film! If you haven’t been to see it, then do go and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. We saw it last night in a very
smart cinema in Altdorf, of all places. Even my sceptical Swiss husband (who thinks royalty is an altogether daft idea in the first place) admitted that it really is a very good film. Which is quite an achievement for a film which is basically about two men in a room, talking, arguing and doing voice exercises to try to cure a stammer. The historical background – the death of George V, the abdication crisis and the run up to the 2nd World War are dealt with from the perspective of their effect on Bertie, soon to be George VI and his terror, not so much of the responsibilities which will be heaped on him, but of the radio broadcasts that will be required of him.
The King’s speech is wonderfully cast. Colin , of course is brilliant and will deserve the Oscar that he will most probably win for it. He isn’t at all the dreamy hunk of rom-com days, (but still a fine figure of a man if truth be told), rather a tormented prince full of fear and self-loathing. He was good in A Single Man, but he’s better in this. Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham-Carter are also inspired and absolutely at their best.
There is some bad language – which my 12 year old, as you can imagine, thought was hilarious and started trying to repeat on the way home (and which was sharply nixed!). So go prepared if you don’t like that sort of thing. I don’t (at all), but I think it had a place to play in the film and so wasn’t too disturbed by it.
So I’m giving it 5 stars and my wholehearted recommendation. This is a film you will enjoy and come out feeling good about. Which is always nice…
My tip for the weekend!
Helen
February 19th, 2011 at 10:51 am
Altdorf’s a bit of a trek, isn’t it?! Still, why not make a movie night into an adventure ;))
Having said that, I have actually been to an event at Einsiedeln cinema… must see this film, thanks for that great review, Helen!
February 19th, 2011 at 1:29 pm
Thanks for the review, Helen. I’m really looking forward to seeing this film!
Abi x
February 19th, 2011 at 3:55 pm
Hi Helen, Coming out of lurkdom. 🙂 I also saw The King’s Speech and you are spot on with your review! I didn’t know much of George VI – I am Dutch – but now I’m interested to learn more about him and his role in the war.
February 19th, 2011 at 8:39 pm
I loved it too Helen, have seen it twice and will buy the dvd when released. The acting in this was incredible! Great review. xo
February 21st, 2011 at 5:39 am
I loved the movie but can’t believe it was rated R for very appropriate use of language while horrible violence and casual sex gets just a PG. Why does the ratings board think it is OK for my 14-year-old to see dismemberment and shooting adn gore, but not OK for to him to hear bad language to describe it???
One of my students brought her visiting friend to class a bit early on Friday while I was reading your blog; the friend was visiting from Zurich and I had a wild thought that it might be one of your children and what a coincidence THAT would be – but no.
I hope you had a lovely weekend.
February 21st, 2011 at 4:48 pm
Thanks for the movie review. Last night “60 Minutes” had a segment with Colin Firth and another of the actors from the movie talking about the movie and the history of it. Very interesting. Hope they win all the Academy Awards the movie and the actors are nominated for. My husband and I will have to see that one.
February 26th, 2011 at 2:51 pm
I loved The King’s Speech too. I would see it again, and I learned quite a lot about the Monarchy too. 🙂