The King's Speech [Blu-ray]

a true leader-- inspiring story where the teacher, the student, and the super supportive wife and children are all heroes in a very difficult moment in history

The King's Speech is a 2010 British historical drama film directed by Tom Hooper and written by David Seidler. Colin Firth plays the future King George VI who, to cope with a stammer, sees Lionel Logue, an Australian speech and language therapist played by Geoffrey Rush. The men become friends as they work together, and after his brother abdicates the throne, the new king relies on Logue to help him make his first wartime radio broadcast upon Britain's declaration of war on Germany in 1939.Considering the fact that my last experience with a film that had Colin Firth in it with a bit of a disappointment it would be fair to call my viewing of ‘The King’s Speech’ something along the lines of the perfect redemption arc. For his role as King George Colin Firth received an Academy Award for best actor and this is more-than justified by all of the nuances that make his character the enigma that he must be given the overarching context. Firth’s babbling and various patterns of speech are accompanied with body language that makes his tense (but sometimes haughty) nature palpable, and in some ways makes for moments that are uncomfortable or sometimes even painful for an unsuspecting audience member to witness.In regards to the story it is inspired by ’The King’s Speech’ is a mixed bag of inaccuracies and optimistically sound adjustments. Firstly, this is not a fair reflection of the manner in which the relationship between King George and his speech pathologist develops nor does it correctly substantiate the amount of time passing between significant indicators of improvement during this therapeutic process. Oddly enough, sources that would be considered primary in nature (Like documents written by Logue during therapy sessions and George’s personal diary) have been recovered and are reported as having some influence on the creative decisions made for this film as a whole. Secondly, And perhaps more importantly, evidence to suggest that King George thought positively of Nazi forces of authority and practices related to their political ideology is quietly swept under the rug and written in as being more closely related to the adoration he may had for Hitler’s skills in the area of public speaking; this does appear to be a logical explanation for behavior that could make Firth’s character less charismatic in the court of public opinion, but I can only hope that David Seidler reached before making this particular stretch.Seidler has been open and honest In regards to his motivation in writing this film In that it is related with his own experiences as a child. Having grown up with a stammer, Seidler was able to hear speeches delivered by King George himself, and took this as an opportunity to explore what treatment for a stammer might look like and the complexities involved with its origin or source of conception. This has led to some of our inevitable projecting on his behalf, but this makes ‘The King’s Speech’ all the more insightful as both a work of art and a potential opportunity for growth. Characters outside of George are used to represent external factors that may be key in understanding how this stammer can develop in the first place and also goes the extra mile in speaking to those that may unintentionally keep people from seeking out treatment for this despite having the most harmless of motivations in mind. What I gather most from this alone is that ‘The King Speech’ isn’t a film written for history buffs or those obsessed with precision, but it does a damn good job of pretending to be one.Generally speaking I would regard a film like ‘The King Speech’ as being an abhorrent butchery of .events and figures that are labeled as ‘commendable’, but its larger purpose and real-world applications as they relate to diagnosable conditions makes the execution and consumption of media like this one arguably favorable in the grand scheme of things.Sewn together by the best of intentions despite its narrative related shortcomings:I would recommend!(Just...maybe promise to some research afterwards, okay?)

I can enjoy fine movies with minimalist acting. Where the actors spend a lot of time saying nothing, but looking very serious, or hurt, or angry or whatever. The kind of the thing that lots of young American actors like to do these days. Where emotions are bottled up. This can be very effective.But sometimes, you just want to have a good, old-fashioned wallow in the kind of meaty, no-holds barred acting that, frankly, the British do best. And the best, most satisfying example of that this year is THE KING'S SPEECH, a terrific, interesting, engrossing and surprisingly emotional film about a monarch who stutters.In the years between the two great wars of the 20th Century, King George V ruled England and its colonies with a stern disposition and unshakeable self-confidence. His eldest son, Edward, is a dashing playboy type, but looks forward to his time on the throne. Younger son Albert ("Bertie") is shyer and more conservative...in large part because he has a rather pronounced stammer that years of consulting experts has done nothing to cure. He has a strong wife in Elizabeth, and dotes on his daughters Elizabeth and Margaret. And he has no ambitions to be king.His wife convinces him to start consulting with Speech Therapist Lionel Logue, a commoner with some highly uncomment techniques. Not only does he work on the mechanics of speech, but he believes that stammers also come from a psychological place as well. He's a sort of psychologist too. He works with the prince, insists that two men work on a first name basis, and through sheer force of his eccentric personality, begins to wear the reserved Albert down to the point where we learn much about his upbringing.And then, as WWII nears, George V dies and Edward serves only briefly, because the scandal of his love affair with divorced American Wallace Simpson forces him from the throne...and George is horrified to find himself about to be crowned. And eventually, George will have to give perhaps the most important nationwide radio address anyone had ever given in England up to that point...a speech rallying his people to the cause of war. He can ill afford to stammer his way through a speech that needs to inspire confidence and patriotism.It's a fascinating story, utterly engrossing. But it's the uniformly great acting that elevates this to such a high level. Small but effective parts are handled by folks such as Michael Gambon (King George V...excellent), Derek Jacobi as the archbishop, Guy Pearce as King Edward (he's quite good) and Jennifer Ehle in a small but delightful role as Logue's wife. Helena Bonham Carter is more restrained than usual, but also very effective as the Queen. She clearly dotes on her husband, which makes her very sympathetic, yet she also shows that the trappings and conventions of royalty suit her. The two appear to be that seeming rarity, a royal couple that are actually happy with each other. But all this great acting is just icing on the cake for the pure movie-going joy of watching Colin Firth (as King George VI) and Geoffrey Rush (as the uncommon commoner) go toe-to-toe. Both actors are at their finest.Rush can incline towards the hammy (as in the PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN movies) but when the script matches his natural characteristics (such as the unappreciated QUILLS)...he's just a joy to watch. His timing is exquisite and his commitment to his work is amazing. And Firth, though a more "restrained" actor, chews into his role with understated ferocity (this seems to make no sense...but see the film and you'll understand). He makes his Bertie so sympathetic...but rather than just playing a shy stammerer, we see his integrity, his wit, his pain and his explosive temper. His struggle against the casual attitude Logue takes with him is so much fun to watch, as are the great moments these two have together when they discover how well the King speaks when he is cursing. The two develop an odd but deeply affecting friendship. I don't know if the film presents history accurately...but it sure presents history as it would be nice to believe it happened. Both actors should be slam dunks for Oscar nominations...and Firth will be hard to beat. It may be his best "upper class British" performance to date.The film is a bit manipulative. The climactic moments being heavily punctuated with Beethoven seems a bit heavy handed. Some of the dialogue is just TOO good to be believed. But the two actors and their co-stars plow right through any weaknesses or pandering to the audience. A measure of the success of the film...my 23 year old son and 18 year old daughter loved it. For a film so far out of my son's comfort zone to grab him to the extent it did says a lot. This is a film worth seeking out and seeing immediately.

Since there is an abundance of extremely long reviews I will not reiterate the incredible acting and storyline which is based on history. I will only add that those that addressed the foul language apparently do not have a medical background or a degree in Speech Pathology - there is a neurological reason that technique was used to help induce fluent speech. All the other techniques employed were also relevant, creative, and impressive. Of course the movie is an importance part in our history but to me I viewed it for its importance from a different angle, twice.

Two speeches demonstrate. 1926. Embarrassment at Wembley, the Prince's serious stammer convincing all he will forever need keeping well in the background. 1939. 3rd September, the day war was declared. He, now George VI, a revelation as he broadcasts to the Empire. Most movingly the film shows what happened in between....Colin Firth and Geoffrey Bush are magnificent as the stuttering Royal and Lionel Logue, his unconventional Australian speech therapist - protocol totally ignored by the teacher, inhibitions gradually shed by the future king. Loosening up exercises, swearing and singing are all part of the treatment.Disturbing revelations emerge of how the problems came to be - a little boy, naturally left handed, forced to use his right; legs encased in painful supports; a sadistic nanny; an overbearing father; an older brother everybody preferred. Here is an intensely personal portrayal - essentially an unassuming family man now thrust by fate into the limelight, the rest of his life to be spent outside his comfort zone.Bonuses include a commentary, interesting contributions by many involved, recordings of two speeches by the monarch. There is an excellent interview with Logue's grandson - unearthed diaries causing much excitement, as well as major amendments to the script.A gem of a film, illuminating and uplifting. It thoroughly deserves its praise and awards.

We enjoyed The King's Speech enormously. We can identify with King George VI as we were around 12 -13 years old when he died suddenly and shockingly. We were called out of class to a special assembly in the school playground for the announcement. It was in February, I think, and bitterly cold. We had to be made of stern stuff in those days! We sang the National Anthem in honour of the new Queen and forgot to change all the 'hims' to 'hers'! I think I was aware of the King's speech problem and I think my parents remarked on it but we had no knowledge of his speech therapist. The film was excellent, of course. It was particulraly touching to see the little girls portraying Princess Margaret and our present Queen. The reason for buying the DVD was because my elder brother had missed seeing it at the cinema. As we were about to visit him to celebrate his 80th birthday (!), we thought to take him a copy would give him pleasure. In the usual way of things, it was only through Amazon that we could get the DVD in time without scouring the shops and with the assurance of prompt delivery, all of which happened.

I read all the reviews about this film, and it was very highly praised and won a lot of oscars, I bought it for my collection and loved it, the acting was superbmy daughter asked to borrow it and she still has not returned it, she thought it was great and deserved all the reviews. Colin Firth was brilliant and so was Helena Bonham Carter and as alway Geoffrey Rush was a joy to watch.I would highly recommend this film to everyone.

Great film, excellently played by Colin Firth - a very moving film too as he struggles to overcome his speech impediment so that he can serve his country as King. Great acting by all the cast , a well put together film , good storyline, and well worth the watch and the money.

I haven't tired of watching this yet.It has everything. Excellent acting, comedy, drama and it is educational. Keep a tissue handy! There is some bad language but it is integral to the factual storyline and I can't imagine anyone being offended by it. I am sure the Royal Family would agree that this story has been told in a very tasteful manner. A worthy winner of the Oscars.