Showing Films Worth Seeing...
The King’s Speech (12A)
On paper, The King’s Speech might seem a rather predictable costume drama, with checkboxes for a classy cast and dependable production values well-ticked. But it’s actually a very witty and inspiring watch, with an interesting focus on one of the Monarchy’s more difficult hours – and has just received 8 nominations for the British Independent Film Awards. Colin Firth is excellent as George VI or ‘Bertie’, the shy and stammering brother of confident, glamorous Edward, thrust uncomfortably into the spotlight after Edward’s abdication. Becoming King was quite literally George’s worst nightmare – a lifetime of public, nationally-broadcast speeches loomed, and this film follows his engagement of Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush) as he battles to overcome his crippling stammer in preparation for the worst of these engagements – his Coronation address. Firth is wonderful as Bertie, with Helena Bonham-Carter providing excellent (and visually convincing) support as his loyal wife Elizabeth.
Director: Tom Hooper
Cast: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham-Carter, Jennifer Ehle
118 mins
