Friday, 17 May 2013

Review - The King's Speech

The King's Speech - A true story, of King George the sixth of Britain. the story of his impromptu ascension to the throne and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch become worthy of it.

 

Hello film fans, welcome to my newest film review blog.

Today's Blog is about 'The King's Speech'. A film based of the true story of King George the 6th; directed by British director Tom Hooper.

SPOILER ALERT: In all my reviews that I do. I will reveal a few spoilers, so if your one of those people who isn't a fan of things being spoiled, this blog isn't for you.

This film came to the USA's attention of the 24th of December 2010, and was viewed in Britain from the 7th of January 2011.

The Film tells the story of a man called Bertie who became King George the 6th (Colin Firth). the father of Queen Elizabeth the 2nd. He was named 'George' after his brother abdicates. but was nicknamed 'Bertie' as a family amusement. and he reluctantly assumes the throne.

Plagued by a dreaded stammer and low self esteem, he is considered unfit to speak in public, It is in his wife's interests (Helena Bohnam Carter) that Bertie engages the help of an unorthodox speech therapist named Lionel Logue (Geoffry Rush). Through a set of eccentric and unusual techniques, and as a result of an unexpected friendship, Bertie is able to find his voice, and boldly lead the country through World War 2.

I found this film to be incredibly moving, and inspiring. I think it is a film, that many young teenage viewers can learn from and give a lot more attention.

I thought the friendship at the end between Colin Firth and Geoffry Rush, was true. It's all very well saying it worked well, and they got on like a house on fire. but saying the relationship 'worked well' doesn't describe my point clear enough, I don't think. because for me, it did more than 'work well'. it was true. you believed in it. and it gave the audience a sense of realism, of what the real relationship with the real people, was about at the time the film was set.

I thought Colin Firth was fantastic, I know Colin Firth is regarded as being an over rated actor. but he had a tough challenge, trying act with a stammer. he really embraces the opportunity with both hands, and truly delvers. In facial expressions, his body language, his posture (a little body trapped in a grown man's body) so in every sense of the word, I can not fault Colin Firth's performance, he was perfect.

Geoffry Rush was incredible. but then again he's another over rated and fantastic actor, so one can expect no less. he has lots of talents which he brings out in his performance. I thought it was very serious in the role. but with a twinkle in his eye.

I liked the way things were set and shot it all worked successfully and accessibly. everything was very current to the late 30's / early 40's. the costumes were accurate and believably detailed. the music was carefully composed to communicate emotion through several characters, and when music wasn't needed, silence full filled scenes just as well.

I have to say as well that my favourite scene of the film, is when Lionel and Bertie first meet. and have their first conversation. I think that scene is one of the best scenes between two people I've ever seen in a film to date.

Now a few criticisms I have with this is film, were the fact that the genre wasn't clear. it seemed to me to be this Biographic Historical Drama, rather than just a Drama. I'd would of very much prefer it to be have been categorised as 'a drama' so the film had more of an identification as to what it was.

Another thing I didn't like with this film, is the matter of some scenes being slower than others. which unbalanced things a bit, to the point where I felt that things weren't escalating as well as they could.



Overall I really got the messages, that film wanted to get across. I benefited and approved of the friendship Lionel had with Bertie. and appreciated the fantastic acting from all of the cast.

I'm going to rate 'The King's Speech' - 9/10

1 Gold Star to Colin Firth, Geoffry Rush, Helena Bonham Carter and Tom Hooper
1 Platinum Star to Tom Hooper

Thank you for reading this review my next review is going to be 'The Great Gatsby' starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey McGuire and Carey Mulligan. and directed by Baz Lurhman. I will post that review on Saturday the 18th of May 2013.


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