British Actress Blog

The King’s Speech (2010)

Score: 9/10

Director: Tom Hooper

Stars: Helena Bonham Carter, Colin Firth, Derek Jacobi, Michael Gambon, Guy Pearce, Timothy Spall.

The Honorable Mention Series:

Synopsis: The story of King George VI of the United Kingdom of Great Britain, his impromptu ascension to the throne, and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch become worthy of it.

Review: King George VI is on his way to become the King of England but he has a very big problem, he can not seem to handle public speaking. All of his attempts to fix the problem have failed, all the while Germany is preparing for WWII. Queen Elizabeth sets out to find an expert to help the King find his voice in order to lead his people against one of the worlds most dangerous adversaries.

This is the most classy role Helena Bonham Carter has ever played. I wish I could see more of her in films like this. She gives a top notch performance as Queen Elizabeth. This is why I write about superb actresses like her. This kind of art is worthy to be talked about. One of Colin Firth’s best performances. He really gave it his all in this role. His role here is so much better than the character he played in Before I Go To Sleep (2014). In that film his role really suppresses his acting range and talent. In this film on the other hand, he shows his range and talent in full. This is one of Guy Pearce’s most charming performance. He does so much better when playing and Englishmen rather than an American. I don’t think he really has the American characters down like he thinks he does. His roles in films such as the old man Peter Weyland in Prometheus (2012) and Alien: Covenant (2017) don’t do him justice at all. In this film he does extremely well.

The film focuses on the concepts of both friendship and leadership. The leader King George VI must prove himself to his people. The reason why people still believe in leaders is because the followers know that the leaders will do what is necessary in order to protect the people, just like and alpha protects the wolf pack. In return the followers will support the leader how ever they can. For King George, he must prove to the people that he is worthy of the title of King. When watching this film I am reminded of Joseph Fiennes character of Merlin in the STARZ TV show Camelot. In that show Merlin gives King Arthur a challenge to climb of a mountain and pull a sword out of a stone. The young King Arthur does not want to do it because he is afraid that he will hurt himself. Merlin get upset and tells Arthur that if he is not willing to at least try, then Arthur is not worthy to be his King. This challenge of rising up to the status of a title is very present in this film. The most important thing that King George can do for his people is give a very important speech that will guide the English people and raise their spirits in preparation for WWII. I really like how King George stares at a video of the German leader as he rallies his people and does it with fury. You can see in King George’s eyes that he must become a true leader and leave his fear behind. This is the turning point for the King George. We get to see some true motivation for him. So many of King George’s advisers didn’t really seem to understand that their King if a human being. King George just needed a friend by his side who understands him. Balancing his work and personal life is normal. In time of war, he needed all the friends he could get.

The cinematography is well done. The set dressing, backgrounds, and wardrobe are very good. The whole film is very high quality, which is absolutely fitting since the film portrays England’s royal family. This is not a action movie at all. Its a look into the life and responsibilities of a monarch. As you watch the film you can feel the weight of how King George feels as he and his wife represent an entire nation of people. The film did its job. It told a story and a good one. This is one of the better films that I have reviewed and it deserves all the praise that it has gotten from critics. I noticed many of the Harry Potter actors are very present in this film. From Michael Gambon, Timothy Spall, and Helena Bonham Carter. So if your into more meaningful films that focus on people and building a character than watch this film. Its a great movie!

More Films from Helena Bonham Carter

Suffragette (2015)

Fight Club (1999)

The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet (2013)

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)

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