Monday, January 17, 2011

A Must-See

Coin Firth winning a Golden Globe for his performance in 'The King's Speech' was no surprise. After seeing it with friends a few weeks ago, I told Excy that Firth was going to win an Oscar. And Geoffrey Rush will get the supporting Oscar. You heard it here first.

'The King's Speech' is a brilliant movie. I did a lot of looking up facts afterwards and was pleased to learn much of it was true. Those 'based on facts' type of movies can take liberties, so you never know.

King George VI ascended the throne in 1936 after his erstwhile brother Edward (played by Guy Pierce, always genius), abdicated in order to marry the Baltimore socialite Wallis Simpson (a three-time divorcee). The new King never wanted or expected to become King. He struggled since childhood with a severe speech impediment, and suddenly he's thrust into the world's stage on the eve of WWII.

The story centers upon his attempts to overcome his stutter with the help of an unconventional speech therapist and the support of his loving and no-nonsense wife -- who becomes 'the Queen Mum' when her daughter Elizabeth takes the crown after her dad's death in 1956. The King and his speech therapist, Lionel Logue, become fast friends for life. In recognition of his helping the King with all his major speeches and broadcasts, the King conferred upon him the Royal Victorian order in 1937, and made him a commander in 1944. (A dynastic order of knighthood and chivalry for personal service). In a footnote, the real Lionel Logue was really a good-looking man! Wow!

10 comments:

e said...

I had heard that this was a contender. Thanks for the heads up.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

I was so thrilled when he won the Golden Globe for this, Wye. I adore Colin Firth, and I could listen to him read the phone book and be happy. However, I am a HUGE history buff (and a communications major) so this movie has real appeal for me. Can't wait to see it. I've been sick and unable to get out, but I am going, I hope, on Wednesday to see it. Thanks for this review. This makes me want to see it all the more.

XO,

Sheila :-)

Arkansas Patti said...

I have it saved on Netflix since there is no movie theater near me. I Googled the real Lionel Logue and he was a handsome man.
Can't wait to see it.

Unknown said...

I have been a Colin Firth fan FOREVER. He will always be THE ONLY Mr. Dacry in my world. I am dying to see this movie and may have to play hookey from work this week to do so. I am thrilled Colin is finally getting the honors he so deserves.

Tricia McWhorter said...

I loved this film. I, too, am a Colin Firth fan—have been ever since I saw "My Life So Far", a sweet little gem of a movie. I was thrilled he got the Golden Globe and adored his acceptance speech.

marciamayo said...

I fell for Colin Firth in A Single Man and loved The King's Speech, which I just saw Sunday. As good as Firth was, I thought Geoffrey Rush stole the show. Both were fantastic.

Leanne said...

Really looking forward to seeing this movie -

wendy said...

I have been wondering about that movie. On the surface, it didn't seem that interesting....so I am glad you gave me some insight to it.
as I believe it is a must see for me

Tam and John said...

What a great "review" now I want to see it even more!

Mia said...

Greeat share