The King’s Speech

I was invited to watch the premier of the King’s Speech early this week.

It lives up to its name and all the rave reviews.

I’ve never done well when it comes to history. I’m also never a biggie on historical films. Some how, it just bores me to tears. But I dare say that the King’s Speech is really awesome. I have to add a disclaimer though. This show is not for young children. It would be a little too tough for them to truly appreciate.

The scriptwriter and the director made this simple plot so engaging and touching, it was sheer talent. Given the lack of written records, it definitely took much creativity and effort to churn a simple piece of history into a blockbuster hit.

In a nutshell, the show is about a man’s perseverance in overcoming his speech defects. After seeking treatment from countless of certified speech therapists to no success, his wife knocked on the door of an unsuccessful actor (unbeknown to them) to seek unorthodox treatment methods.

It is without a doubt that the show deserved to be the #1 movie in UK for 3 weeks in a role.

The casting was also superb.

Colin Firth’s depiction of George VI was so genuine and so believable in the movie. His frustration in stammering was so natural, you really can’t help but sympathise with the character. You could feel his anguish, his pain, his long-term suffering.

I was equally impressed with Helena Bonham Carter’s acting. She’s famous for choosing queer roles to act - think Sweeney Tod and Alice in Wonderland. But posed with a serious role, she carries herself pretty darn well. A google search on her reveals that she’s Tim Burton’s partner. By golly! That makes perfect sense.

Now that’s one down from my must-watch list. Next up, I need to catch the Black Swan.