Tuesday, December 14, 2010

'The King's Speech': A Guide

Nominated for seven Golden Globes on Tuesday, indie art house film 'The King's Speech' led both the field in award potential and confused looks from movie fans. A limited release film that quietly hit a small number of theaters over Thanksgiving weekend, the British monarchy drama starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter has wowed audiences -- or, the few that have seen it.



That said, it's important to know as much as you can about the film as it contends for all the big awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Supporting Actor. Here's a guide to 'The King's Speech,' for your consideration.



Synopsis (from RottenTomatoes.com):



After the death of his father King George V (Michael Gambon) and the scandalous abdication of King Edward VIII (Guy Pearce), Bertie (Colin Firth) who has suffered from a debilitating speech impediment all his life, is suddenly crowned King George VI of England. With his country on the brink of war and in desperate need of a leader, his wife, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), the future Queen Mother, arranges for her husband to see an eccentric speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). After a rough start, the two delve into an unorthodox course of treatment and eventually form an unbreakable bond. With the support of Logue, his family, his government and Winston Churchill (Timothy Spall), the King will overcome his stammer and deliver a radio-address that inspires his people and unites them in battle. Based on the true story of King George VI, THE KING'S SPEECH follows the Royal Monarch's quest to find his voice


Reviews:



Peter Travers, Rolling Stone: "It could have been a bunch of pip-pip, stiff-upper-lip Brit blather about a stuttering king who learns to stop worrying and love the microphone. Instead, The King's Speech -- a crowning achievement powered by a dream cast -- digs vibrant human drama out of the dry dust of history."



news/la-et-kings-speech-20101126,0,4898019.story" target="_hplink">Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times: "Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush give a master class in acting as the future king of England and his speech therapist in this engaging drama."



Leonard Maltin, IndieWire: "Moviegoers who think of period pieces--even relatively recent ones--as being stuffy or remote ought to park their prejudices and see this exceptional film. It is one of the highlights of the year."



PHOTO:
Stars Colin Firth (L) and Geoffrey Rush (R)


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