‘Speech’ is great therapy

IT WOULD be easy to dismiss The King’s Speech as a slow-moving British drama and not give it go.
But only those that have seen it can truly say the film is funny, fascinating and definitely worth the effort.
I must admit that I was only interested in seeing the movie after some rave reviews from my seniors and I am glad I didn’t miss it – although it was close.
The Sunday afternoon session was full-to-the-front-row with the over-40 crowd.
There is an Oscar buzz surrounding The King’s Speech, particularly after Colin Firth’s portrayal of King George VI – engaging, heart-wrenching and amusing – won him a Golden Globe this week for best actor.
Based on a true story, the film follows Prince Albert (Colin Firth) on his journey to overcome a long-term speech impediment as he takes a more public role.
Times become desperate when he is suddenly crowned King after the death of his father King George V (Michael Gambon) and the abdication of his playboy older brother King Edward VIII (Guy Pearce) to marry an American divorcee, no less.
As a last resort, Prince Albert’s wife Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), the future Queen Mother, engages the services of Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), an eccentric Australian speech therapist determined to cure the King’s stammer and demons.
I’m sure the over-40 crowd were slightly shocked when the film revealed the King’s stammer weakened when he swore – not very royal at all.
The cast cannot be criticised and is a delightful mix of actors, recognisable from Pride and Prejudice and the Harry Potter series.
Put simply, The King’s Speech ticks all the boxes, particularly if you are after a film with a little bit of depth … and don’t mind being the youngest in the cinema.
– Nicole Williams