Despite the still falling rain here in SoCal, David and I braved the wetness to get out of the house for a bit to get some fresh air and to see a movie. We decided to take a chance on one of the heavily-hyped Oscar movies of the new awards season and decided to see The King’s Speech (thus far nominated for multiple Golden Globe and Screen Actor’s Guild Awards) starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter. I am pleased to inform y’all that the Oscar hype is worth it … The King’s Speech is a stunningly fantastic film.
Without question, The King’s Speech is deffo one of those “Oscar films” where the acting, direction, cinematography, writing is top notch … and is the kind of film that is mostly lost on the common movie going audience. Elf, it is not. What it is is a poignant and triumphant story of a somewhat reluctant king who must overcome a speech impediment to properly carry out the duties required to lead a nation during a time of war. The King’s Speech is based on the life of British monarch Queen Elizabeth, II‘s father King George VI and his struggle to overcome a nasty stuttering problem. To be honest, there are a lot of facts about the British monarchy of the early 1900s that I was not at all aware of (eg. King George VI‘s older brother abdicated the throne so that he could marry a twice-divorced American) and found wholly enlightening. But truly, the best thing about this film is the acting performances of the 3 main actors. Colin Firth is just amazing as is Geoffery Rush (who is *always* wonderful to watch on screen). Helena Bonham Carter, in a role that doesn’t require her to look like a bedraggled goth queen, also gives a stunning performance. The look and feel of the film, the way the colorful patterned backgrounds are used in almost every scene, make the film feel truly special. I know that The King’s Speech may look like a bore but if you appreciate fine acting, masterful storytelling and triumph of the will stories … I think you will love this movie as much as David and I did.
I think anything with Colin Firth in it has to be good. I love him…. I can’t wait to see this movie
I’ve seen the trailer and it looks stunning!!!
This is one movie I’m excited about seeing. Glad you’ve given it the thumbs up.
This film is way funnier than Elf. Seriously. I missed so many of the lines as the packed house was laughing so loudly!!
Thanks for the review, I can’t wait to see this movie. Glad you both enjoyed it.
@Kelis
Uh! Anything with Geoffery Rush is great, sorry!
I think this performance will become his second Oscar.
I walked out on the movie, I WAS BORED!!!! I really couldn’t care less about the storyline, his speech problem. As well the lighting was really weird. Oh well.
why Trent a literate person such as yourself did not know about the abdication of Edward viii to marry Wallis Simpson then they were known as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. But then the Univ. of Okla. is not strong on history as knowledge would compete with football. Most of the comments from persons who do not like this film should stay home and watch re-runs of any Will Ferrell movie.
Well, your comment just seems unnecessarily rude. History classes in the US don’t often focus heavily on British monarchs unless they ruled during a major world event (unless you take a European history class). So while we may have learned about King George VI in relation to being King during WWII (and probably in passing at that), we probably would not have learned about his brother whose biggest accomplishment would now be featured in US Weekly over history textbooks.
@Kate — Yep, as a Political Science major, my focus in University was on the US Constitution and American Government, not British History. I did take quite a few Shakespeare courses but, alas, British Monarchy history was not part of my collegiate program.
I’m surprised that you haven’t heard of it as well Trent, because when King George VI‘s older brother abdicated the throne, so that he could marry twice-divorced American Wallis Simpson, they lived and always was in the US. I believe that they hung out or were known in the politcal groups at the time. That’s why I don’t think Prince Charles should become king when his Mom dies. He married a divorcee, and he didn’t have to abdicate the throne. I guess times change, but since they believe in past traditions so much, they would keep with that one, especially since it was her Uncle. Then again, it’s the royal family.
I guess you can tell i’m either an Canadian or British! haha
Merry Christmas to you Trent and everybody that read this!
@Hampton — LOL.
Trent
I meant my comment as sort of tongue-in cheek and not to be taken seriously. Just as you seem to have a passion about the NIN group which is fine but I know nothing about.
Anyway happy holidays to you and David….at least your columns are not boring.Might I sugguest the Sister Fidelma mysteries by Peter Tremayne.
Actually, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor lived in France, not the US.
Times have changed since the 1930′s, so the fact that Charles has married a divorcee is quite irrelevant. He will become King when Queen Elizabeth dies as it’s his right and duty to.
Things have changed to a certain extent, but Camilla will never be Queen…… she will be called “HRH the Princess Consort” which quite frankly sounds a wee bit naughty.
Another fact you might find interesting about the Duke of Windsor was his interest in Adolf Hitler. There is quite a bit of documentation out there, including photos showing the Duke looking quite chummy with him, detailing how the Duke seemed interested in German politics leading up to WWII. I “think” that is why he and Wallis were sent off for a bit–to an island retreat, I think. ? That part is a bit fuzzy.
love u trent but it’s “stuttering”
BORING CRAP PROPOGANDA ROYAL ELITE BS WHO CARES