A long time ago, we attended movie premieres on opening weekends at the theatre and enjoyed brilliant films that would win Oscars.
I was there in 2010, watching The King’s Speech on opening weekend. I remember being intrigued by the film because of its significance in history. Little did I know many months later, it would be nominated for 12 Academy Awards, winning four.
Originally I rated the film an 8/10 on my IMDb profile, and upon a second viewing just the other day, my rating remains unchanged. I still enjoyed this film even though it is completely dialogue, with little to no actions besides talking.
What reminded me that this film was amazing was when King George VI (Colin Firth) received his coronation. He brings his speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), much to the King’s advisors’ dismay. When they dig up Logue’s past and convince the King to get rid of him, the two share a moment of sincerity with one another. They were reluctant friends at the beginning and, over time, became almost inseparable. Even with the most important moment of his life approaching, The King realizes that Logue was his best friend and decided to rebuke his advisor’s demands. I had totally forgotten that this moment happened, but it made me appreciate both characters more than at any other point in the story.
Months later, the King has to give a speech about enlisting his men and women into World War II. It will become the biggest moment of his life, and he’s got his friend and coach Logue at his side. It really showed how far the pair had come as individuals and as friends. I thought the King’s speech in the film was performed brilliantly and worthy of praise for how it was shot and acted.
I wouldn’t say The King’s Speech is an emotional movie, although it was will play with them. You may not cry, you’ll probably chuckle a little, but you will definitely get heavily infested in the two male leads. I thought Firth gave one of the best performances of his career as the man with a stammer. Whenever he has to talk, whether he wants to share his feelings or not, Firth nails the lines with brilliant speech and emotions.
Logue, meanwhile, is a professional in every way. He had his rules and refused to bend even for the Prince who would become King. Logue was a brilliant man with amazing abilities to get people to open up and overcome their fears and speech problems. Rush also gives an award-worthy performance, one that only garnered a nomination but no win. It is safe to say that The King’s Speech would not be as great if it’s wasn’t for his character. Firth’s character also would have never been so good without the back and forth with the therapist.
It took me over a decade to watch this Best Picture winner again, and I wouldn’t be opposed to watching it again sometime. If you love great performances to go along with a story that actually took place, then I’d advise you to find time to watch The King’s Speech. 8/10
Ten Stars or Less 