The King's Speech (2010)
Brief review: British filmmaker Tom Hooper brings this simple, yet brilliantly-written and cleverly conceived story, about the unusual friendship between a future king and his speech therapist, which is not only historically accurate, but also hugely engrossing and truly heartfelt. The uneven, yet beautiful relationship between the two key characters is certainly the driving force of this film. Colin Firth delivers the performance of his career as the unconfident soon-to-be-king Albert, struggling to overcome a stammer, and yet, Geoffrey Rush is somewhat the more interesting and likable of the two. His performance is nothing short of fascinating, and although Firth gets all the credit for his difficult role as King George VI, Rush is equally as good, if not better, as the speech therapist, Lionel, who possess an incredibly uplifting spirit and a great charisma. Bonham Carter also gives a bravura performance as the supportive wife of "Bertie". From a technical standpoint, "The King's Speech" is no less impressive. Hooper's elegant camera work and smooth narrative are often mesmerizing, as is Danny Cohen's murky, yet splendid cinematography, and Eve Stewart's sophisticated production design captures the late 30's era to perfection.
Brief review: British filmmaker Tom Hooper brings this simple, yet brilliantly-written and cleverly conceived story, about the unusual friendship between a future king and his speech therapist, which is not only historically accurate, but also hugely engrossing and truly heartfelt. The uneven, yet beautiful relationship between the two key characters is certainly the driving force of this film. Colin Firth delivers the performance of his career as the unconfident soon-to-be-king Albert, struggling to overcome a stammer, and yet, Geoffrey Rush is somewhat the more interesting and likable of the two. His performance is nothing short of fascinating, and although Firth gets all the credit for his difficult role as King George VI, Rush is equally as good, if not better, as the speech therapist, Lionel, who possess an incredibly uplifting spirit and a great charisma. Bonham Carter also gives a bravura performance as the supportive wife of "Bertie". From a technical standpoint, "The King's Speech" is no less impressive. Hooper's elegant camera work and smooth narrative are often mesmerizing, as is Danny Cohen's murky, yet splendid cinematography, and Eve Stewart's sophisticated production design captures the late 30's era to perfection.
Overall summary: Filmed with subtlety, care and utter smoothness, "The King's Speech" is a profoundly gripping, if slightly monotonous historical drama, driven by the exceptional, award-worthy performances of its superb cast, Geoffrey Rush in particular.
20 comments:
I am dying to see this movie and hope to get to a theater as soon as this massive blizzard stops burying me under snow. :) Rush, Firth and Bonham-Carter are three actors I absolutely love to watch.
I reckon you're gonna love it, Mel. I did, too, though it's not one of my 2010's most favorites. It lacks energy and liveliness, but other than that, it was excellent.
Performance-wise, I even dare to say that Rush was better than Firth, even though this was undoubtedly Colin Firth's best performance to date. Bonham-Carter was great, yet a bit overshadowed by the two leads.
I am embarrassed to say but I have not seen this one yet. I'm pretty sure I missed my chance viewing it in theaters so I will have to wait for the DVD release. I can't wait though, especially after your fantastic review. Plus, Colin Firth is just simply amazing in everything he does.
I must say I have missed you as well! My life is dull without your daily reviews, I don't know how you do it!! I think being on Christmas break from school geared me off track and I neglected my routine. However, I am back! By the way, CONGRATULATIONS on "Top Movie Review Blog"-well deserved!!!
Not sure if I'll catch this one before the Oscars, although I do try to see the ones up for awards.
And hey! The music blogfest was your most commented-on post. It was one of mine as well.
Alex, you should try to catch it before the Oscars. It's definitely worth-seeing. Watch out for Rush - IMO, he stole the show.
Yep, it was! :) I was blown away by how many comments I received. It was, hands down, your most successful blogfest so far ;)
Nicole, dear, glad to see you back! :) You have no idea how much I missed you and your comments.
There's nothing to be embarrassed about, you should just try to see it as soon as you can. If you watch movies on your computer, I can send you a download link for it, so you don't have to wait for the DVD release ;)
I received this award last July, but thanks :)
You ask how do I post reviews everyday.. well, my job allows me to do it, and I'm so grateful for that.
Absolutely right Nebular. This film is driven by its fantastic trio of actors. Nicely written!
I'll watch this one after seeing its progress in upcoming Oscar award :)
Matt, probably the second best ensemble cast of 2010, after "The Fighter".
Glad you liked the film, I think you make all the same points I did; Firth is great but Rush is better and a more interesting character. I've recently seen two of the other Oscar contenders: Black Swan and 127 Hours, and for me The King's Speech just beats the other two. But that's just me :)
Jaccs, I thought you'd like to see it before the Oscars. Was it released in the lovely Singapore, or it's yet to be?
Russ, yes, I did like it a lot, though a little bit less than I expected. So glad you agree with me about Rush - he was definitely the star of the show, and I'd love people to admit that, instead of praising only Mr.Firth. :)
As for the other two Oscar contenders you've mentioned, well I liked both way more than I liked "King's Speech" ( "Black Swan" [9.50/10], 1"27 Hours" [9.25/10]. However, "The Social Network" remains the clear winner in my book, and definitely 2010's BEST PICTURE. :)
I'm still rooting for The Social Network for Best Picture this year....
Andrew, buddy, I do too :)
I just finished watching it and oh my goodness that was fantastic! I really liked it thank you so much for allowing me the chance to see it before the Oscars. It has me reevaluating my opinions on who I would like to win in a couple of the categories. (The Oscars is my Super Bowl, haha)
It was enjoyable to watch the relationship between Rush and Firths characters. But like you I found Geoffrey Rush quite wonderful and a bit underrated. Although, it was intriguing to watch Colin Firth battle his speech impediment, he was and is simply brilliant.
I just want to thank you again; it was so kind of you to take the trouble to gather the links for me. ; )
Nicole, you're welcome :) It makes me feel good when I do something that makes other people happy :) Glad you agree with me about Rush. For me, he was the star of the show, not Firth, though the latter was great to.
If there's any other Oscar movie you want to see, just let me know, and I'll provide you with links again :)
The King's Speech is coming to theatres in my region this week and I'm pretty excited about it! I've seen Black Swan and I sure hope that this film hits the spot for me too.
J-Son, as much as I liked this film, I found Black Swan to be way better in terms of, well, everything :) King's Speech was a bit monotonous.
Can't wait to read your review though.
watched it a few days ago in theater and absolutely loved it. the first movie since "The Diving Bell And The Butterfly" that nearly brought me to tears. 10/10
Maynard, well, I didn't like it as much as you did, nor it brought me to tears, but it delivered on many levels, though it lacked dynamic.
Still have to see "The Diving Bell And The Butterfly". I've heard only good things about it.
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