Review of The King's Speech (2010) by Mike D — 09 Mar 2014

2010's recipient of the Academy Award for Best Picture, Tom Hooper's 'The King's Speech,' is an understated film that explores many themes including family, friendship and pride. Using the transfer of power in pre-World War II Great Britain as a backdrop, 'Speech' examines the metamorphosis of George VI as he grows into his role as king following a controversial episode within his royal family, and the lengths he goes to to eradicate an embarrassing stutter in an age of radio.

Colin Firth, who won an Oscar for his performance as the aforementioned king, does a respectable job and makes audiences feel for his character due to the issues he deals with, stutter and all. Of course, the focal point of 'Speech' is the king's relationship with Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), which undergoes an evolution of its own as the two spar with one another throughout the film.

Other acting performances can be considered standouts, including Helena Bonham Carter as Queen Elizabeth (the older one, not the current one). Also admirable is the cinematography - for such a simple film that focuses on content over visual impressiveness, the camera work is very high quality.

And then there's the title itself - 'The King's Speech' has a double meaning in that while the film is of course focused on George VI's speech impediment, it also notes the power conveyed in his most trying hour - a speech to the British empire announcing it was at war with Nazi Germany.

Hoopers low-budget The King's Speech' may not seem to be the most popular film of the last few years, but history should remember it as a landmark achievement years from now.