Contributed By Esther Ang
PHOTO COURTESY OF PARAMOUNT PICTURES
A brilliant story of unorthodox friendship, courage and purpose, The King’s Speech is based on the true story of Prince Albert, Duke of York’s (Colin Firth) unexpected ascent to the throne and his staggering journey of overcoming a debilitating speech impediment to rise up to his duties as king. Shortly after being crowned King George VI of England, the country faced an impending war that required the King to deliver his first war speech. He forges a close friendship with his speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), who eventually helps him deliver a war speech that inspired and united the whole nation in battle.
For its emotionally gripping plot and Colin Firth’s brilliant rendition of King George VI, The King’s Speech won the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival People’s Choice Award, 12 Academy Awards and seven Golden Globes, with Colin Firth winning the Best Actor. Those with a penchant for history or those who appreciate movies such as Dead Poet’s Society will enjoy this show. The plot was hardly as intense as The Tudors in terms of kingdom politics and rivalry, but it provided sophisticated entertainment with witty humor and Prince Albert’s occasional display of “unkingly” behavior, which drew scores of laughter from the audience.
Unlike most movies on the top of box office sales, the element of sex appeal was brazenly lacking in this show; disappointing or not, you be the judge. There were no eye-candy to be spotted throughout the movie (although something has to be said about Firth’s debonair charm), yet it has cinched both critical as well as box office success—a real Hollywood achievement.
| Rating: |  |
