On paper, The King’s Speech might seem a predictable costume drama, with checkboxes for a classy cast and dependable production values well ticked.
But it’s actually a very witty and inspiring watch, with an interesting focus (similarly to Stephen Frears’ The Queen) on one of the monarchy’s more difficult hours.
Colin Firth is excellent as George VI or “Bertie”, the shy, stammering brother of the more glamorous Edward, who is thrust uncomfortably into the spotlight after Edward’s abdication following his scandalous engagement to American divorcee Wallis Simpson.
Becoming King was quite literally George’s worst nightmare. A lifetime of public, nationally broadcast speeches loomed, and The King’s Speech follows his engagement of Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush) to help him overcome his crippling stammer in preparation for the worst and most monumental of these engagements – his coronation address.
Firth is wonderful as Bertie, with Helena Bonham-Carter providing excellent support as his loyal wife Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Slyly unconventional, The King’s Speech digs deep into a very difficult time for the monarchy, struggling to regroup after Edward’s incendiary step away.
