This monarch's 'Speech' is one worth hearing

Public speaking is one of the most common fears among people. There’s only you and your audience. Everyone’s eyes are on you as they wait to hear the message you have to deliver. The speaker can either cast their fears aside, or freeze up at the podium. Both scenarios can happen to anyone; and it can come as a shock that even a monarch could have such a phobia. In Tom Hooper’s British drama, The King’s Speech, the director details the struggle of a royal family trying to help their patriarch get his word out to his country. As an enlivening account of the obstacles that come with being a king, it has all of the sensation of watching history in the making.

Following the death of his father, King George V (Michael Gambon), and the renunciation of the crown by King Edward VIII (Guy Pearce), the throne is passed down to Prince Albert (Colin Firth), who has had a troubling stutter since childhood. England is close to entering the second world war, and is in terrible need of a leader to unite them in this great crisis. His beloved wife, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), feels compelled to help him, and seeks out the assistance of a peculiar speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). At first unsure of his unconventional teaching methods, Albert places his trust in Lionel so his subjects can place their trust into him as King George VI. What Albert learns will culminate in a radio-address that he must give to England to help lead them into an uncertain future.

What we have in The King's Speech is a masterful group of actors. Colin Firth gives a majestic performance as the timid king. With his stuttering and vulnerabilities that accomapny it, he effortlessly extracts our sympathies for his condition. Firth exhibits a deep-rooted fortitude in this leader who's determined to overcome his fear for the good of the people. Helena Bonham Carter, with all of her elegance and class, is the devoted wife that anyone would want. Carter has a very maternal quality to her character, treating her loved ones and new acquaintances with compassion. She has an unending loyalty to her husband; and like her, we follow her husband every step of the way to his defining moment. Geoffrey Rush, as the Shakespeare-quoting speech instructor, is the main soucre of the film's wit. He will make any viewer remember that one oddball, yet gifted teacher that they have had. Like any teacher, he is committed to his student's success. As a result, we get these two true talents of acting elate in each others company and make a very memorable cinematic friendship. The three leads and the remainder of the cast, which include Michael Gambon, Guy Pearce and Timothy Spall, are all jewels on the crown of this outstanding British cast.

Everyone loves a good old underdog story. What makes David Seidler's screenplay so distinctive is that its main character is not your typical rags-to-riches underdog: it's a king. It's in that idea that the king is seen as an equal. The subjects need help from their leader, and he needs help from one of his subjects. More importantly, King George VI and Lionel don't just become equals. They become lifelong friends. Of course since it's based on a true story, we all know how it will end. It still doesn't mean that you won't get a bit teary-eyed when the king has his life-defining moment, in one of the most inspiring finales I've seen in a movie. This film has the trifecta of splendid filmmaking. The acting, directing, and writing all stand out. This is a film that reminded me of the classy dramas of Hollywood's golden age. It's a simple story told in a grand fashion. Long live the king.

Final grade: A