The Kings Speech Review

    This is a tale of a monarchy in crisis and a country on the precipice . But more importantly it tells of one man plagued by a stammer who will reluctantly assume the throne and become the figurehead of a  nation about to be plunged  into war. That's the abridged version but this is a magnificent film about the relationship of Bertie played by Colin Firth and his Australian speech therapist Lionel Louge played by the wonderful Geoffrey Rush. I really enjoyed this film this is not a showy razzmatazz movie, its very much a actors film the direction supporting their performances and not drowning them in stylistic flourishes. 

     Its also  a history lesson many details of which are well known. Edward VII  played by Guy Pearce  brilliantly essays the man who did not want to be king. A man unphased byduty and commitment and whose interest in Germany was borderline unhealthy and who could not be bothered with history or destiny. Who would abdicate to his brother for the love of a divorcee. Helen Bonham Carter and Timothy Spall ably support the leads adding colour and a human face to proceedings. 

     But what really draws you into the film is Rush's portrayal of Louge as a non conformist and unorthodox speech therapist. Its a wonderful character study ably supported by some great British and Australian actors who make you forget who they and allow you to become absorbed in the events unfolding before your eyes.

    This is a part of history I was never taught in school. Our wartime history lessons focused on Churchill, his speeches endlessly repeated in films and documentary's covering England role in the second world. war.

This is a story of a man who struggles against adversity and who led the monarchy into an uncertain future by

embracing the most vocal means of addressing his subjects by  embracing radio an unforgiving medium to communicate a caring monarchy a nation that needed to know they cared.

  Tom Scott's direction is understated and he allows the script and performances to shine through I highly recommend this movie