“Terribly good”, so said one of the audiences behind us at the end of the show. Â This movie, “The King’s Speech”, has attracted quite a crowd of Westerners. Â It must have been moving for some to see King George VI of UK playing on the big screen. Â He is the father and predecessor of Queen Elizabeth II. Â And if the queen is “touched by a moving portrayal of her father”, the filmmakers must have done something right.
Colin Firth plays the duke – soon to be king – who has a stammering problem. Â Quite a thorny problem as a king who is expected to delivery public speeches. Â Colin’s acting is convincing. Â Those long pauses are painful to watch on screen. Â The script is written by David Seidler who also has (or had) the same problem. Â Geoffrey Rush plays the speech therapist. Â Certainly to me, the most delightful character to watch. Â Going head to head with Christian Bale (“The Fighter“) for the best supporting actor category, it would be interesting to see what the outcome is. Â Because both actors are superb in what they do. Â Helena Bonham Carter plays the king’s wife. Â Although her airtime is minimal as the story is focused on the friendship of the king and his therapist, her being so supportive to her husband is moving. Â Once again, Elizabeth is on screen, played by a charming little girl. Â The Queen of UK must be quite flattered by the number of actresses in recent time eager to play her role.
The entire film gives a good early 1900 feel. Â What I like most, besides the acting, is the soundtrack. Â The classical pieces – of the piano and violin – accompanied the plot well. Â If I read the end credits right, the soundtrack is performed by the London Symphony Orchestra.
How many Oscar awards will “The King’s Speech” bag this year? Â We don’t have to wait too long to see. Â The Oscar event is just round the corner.