I saw this movie 14 years ago when it was up for Best Picture. I thought it was indeed the best movie of that year and in a rare circumstance, the academy agreed with me. I watched it again these past 2 mornings and I'm still very much impressed.
The plot is nothing new. It relies on an old trope: an unorthodox teacher is called in to work with a student in need. You've seen it before in Karate Kid and Good Will Hunting just to name a few. In this case the student is Colin's Firth's Prince Albert, who is destined to be king but has a stutter that will surely undermine his reign especially since, in the 1930's, radio is now becoming ubiquitous and a king's eloquence is as essential as how he looks on the throne. The teacher is Geoffrey Rush, a failed and frustrated actor who does speech therapy to make ends meet. Will the newly crowned King be able to deliver a critical speech to his nation on the brink of World War II? That's the friction that propels this movie forward. Not exactly can't-look-away drama.
So while the storyline is a bit predictable, it's the crisp dialogue and incredible acting that raises this film to its heights. Besides the two leads, who are always remarkable, the rest of the cast is amazing, especially Helena Bonham Carter as Firth's ever supportive wife.
If you need explosions and flying superheroes to be suitably entertained, skip this one. If you can appreciate great acting and skillful writing, you'll enjoy The King's Speech. I gave it 8 out of 10 stars.
The plot is nothing new. It relies on an old trope: an unorthodox teacher is called in to work with a student in need. You've seen it before in Karate Kid and Good Will Hunting just to name a few. In this case the student is Colin's Firth's Prince Albert, who is destined to be king but has a stutter that will surely undermine his reign especially since, in the 1930's, radio is now becoming ubiquitous and a king's eloquence is as essential as how he looks on the throne. The teacher is Geoffrey Rush, a failed and frustrated actor who does speech therapy to make ends meet. Will the newly crowned King be able to deliver a critical speech to his nation on the brink of World War II? That's the friction that propels this movie forward. Not exactly can't-look-away drama.
So while the storyline is a bit predictable, it's the crisp dialogue and incredible acting that raises this film to its heights. Besides the two leads, who are always remarkable, the rest of the cast is amazing, especially Helena Bonham Carter as Firth's ever supportive wife.
If you need explosions and flying superheroes to be suitably entertained, skip this one. If you can appreciate great acting and skillful writing, you'll enjoy The King's Speech. I gave it 8 out of 10 stars.
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