4 out of 5 Popcorn Kernels
How do they do it?
On paper, the Kings Speech sounds like it would be such a droll event (and in some instances it verged on that), but in the hands of a few British actors and a well thought-out screenplay, this has become a delightful movie of escapism. I wasn't surprised with this cinema achievement, but I was curious to see how a movie that didn't have any of the American elements of movie-making (Good vs Evil, Romance, Action Scenes, or High Drama), was gonna pan out; and of course the British didn't disappoint, and we have a movie that is charged by the heart and soul, where doing good for the greater good is enough.
The Kings Speech is about King George VI (Colin Firth) who in the beginning of the film is starting out as just as Prince Albert (his father is hanging on the thread of death) the second son in line for the title of King. The first son is Prince Edward (Guy Pierce), a man who may have the yearning to be the next King, but is single, and has his attentions on a divorced woman, which may lead him down the wrong path for the monarchy; Kings are not to wed women of a divorced nature (this is Britain afterall). But Prince Albert is hoping all will be forgiven, because if not, then he would be in line for the Kingship, and he doesn't want it, because as seen in many of the speeches he has made as part of his duties, he has a quite noticeable "stammer" (or stutter as we Americans say) - and that too, is quite unbecoming of the British hierarchy.
During these trying times of speeches and public engagements, Prince Albert's wife, Elizabeth (Helen Bonham Carter) has been with him in search of someone who can cure him of this runaway-tongue; and comes across someone who's methods are quite controversial, a Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), who lives modestly with his wife and kids and treats Elizabeth as he does anyone; except for a bow or two here and there in respect of her position. She likes this, and has her husband come to see him, and through some dramatic scenes, he comes to trust this man; especially when it appears as if the people of England will not have Prince Edward as King after all - he is so in love with this divorcee, that he gives up the position to marry her.
Whew! Between the family values, the rich and the poor, the Prince and the Pauper, and the utter secrecy that has to be attained during this training; we have a movie that moves fluidly, with ramparts of comedy mixed in, and a closeness among people all around that is rare in a motion picture. Many British films are like this - taking the underdog and rallying him around people that believe he can do what may seem impossible. That type of film can make an audience also rally for the hero as if they too were a part of the crowd.
And all of this is happening in The Kings Speech, at a time when Hitler is gearing up for World War II - that background tension could almost be strung out into another film, but it gives the scenes a since of urgency, since the new King will undoubtedly be giving some very important announcements in his future.
The actors - all my favorites - are a marvel to behold. Geoffy Rush as the doctor is amazingly calm and real in this film, as he treats everyone the same, but has the same faith in human nature; that we can all achieve anything we want if we have the faith of those around us. Helen as the wife is so regal and staunch that I was at one amazed at her acting ability to melt into any character so fully that one forgets what the real Helen is really like. And of course there is Colin Firth (who as of this writing has won a 2010 Golden Globe Award for Best Actor), takes on a handicap with dignity, and gives a performance that shows he has studied the nuances of both that affliction as well as those of the monarchy, and does it without making either seem like a burden.
At times The Kings speech moves along slowly, but that is because as an American, we are used to plots being driven by action or drama, and this is very emotionally driven. We are a fly on the wall of their lives, and sometimes when a thing isn't jumping out at us, the mind may tend to wander...at least mine did. But that happens when the the characters have become real, and as they move on in their lives, and encounter real issues, we are right there with them hoping for he best.
...and this one delivers...not pass the tea and crumpets.
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