The King’s Speech

 There is a scene in The King’s Speech in which the royal family is standing on a balcony overlooking their loyal subjects. As they stand there practicing their royal wave it made me wonder how long royal families have been doing this. That’s the thing about being a royal; everything about the way you behave or live is ensconced in etiquette and tradition. From naming your children to how you eat dinner, very few decisions are truly your own. There is a rule and regulation for everything.
 
The King’s Speech tells the story of King George VI, Colin Firth (A Single Man) who becomes king when his older brother, Guy Pearce (The Hurt Locker) abdicates the throne to marry the American Wallis Simpson. His majesty King George VI is terrified to be king for one major reason, it includes making public addresses.
 
With a speech impediment for as long as he can remember, Bertie (his family nickname) has been bullied by his father, tormented by his tutors and teased by his siblings. He abhors speaking in public and he has been introduced to all the best elocutionists in the country. At a point of frustration he finally says no more! But his wife the duchess, Helena Bonham Carter (Alice In Wonderland) hears of a new teacher and she secretly goes to meet him. He is an Australian and has some new and controversial methods. She persuades her husband to meet with him, but they quarrel and he storms off. But later when he realizes that his odd methods do have merit, Bertie decides to put his trust in Lionel Logue’s hands, Geoffrey Rush (Pirates of the Caribbean).
 
In the sanctum of his office, Lionel demands complete equality in order to be effective. This is difficult for the shy prince; he has never interacted with common people in an intimate manner before. But his commitment is sincere and he’ll do anything to cure his stammer. He has a duty to fulfill and that duty includes giving speeches. The prince takes his responsibilities very seriously.
 
When the prince becomes king, the stakes become much higher. Bertie and Lionel work tirelessly to get him ready for his coronation speech. Breaking protocol, Lionel is granted full access and together they pull off the impossible, an articulate speech worthy of a king. Lionel and the King’s partnership last throughout his entire reign. Whenever the King had a speech, Lionel was there and their friendship lasted a lifetime.
 
The King’s Speech is a beautiful film about courage, duty and friendship. Colin Firth’s performance is inspiring and Geoffrey Rush portrays a man who values people over property. His impoverished lifestyle allowed him to help more students, but with the King’s patronage he was able to do much more. Geoffrey’s performance embodies Lionel with a hint of humility mixed with a large dose of bravado. Standing up to a royal could have had serious consciousness.
 
Helena Bonham Carter is also memorable as a supportive wife and mother. Her performance is sweet and nuanced as is appropriate for the future queen mother. I thoroughly admired this film and the performances in it. It is a wonderful tribute to a good man who never shirked his duty. He got his country through a war and earned the respect of the world. Everyone should see this film. It will move and inspire you.

Rating: First Run A wonderful inspiring story