B-B-B-Brilliant

Nominated for 12 and winner of 4 Academy Awards, Tod Hooper presents his latest triumph -- The King's Speech. A film about a monarch who with a speech impediment who struggles to find his voice. This film follows King George VI on his journey to the throne and how he ultimately overcomes his stutter. 

Concerned for her husband, the Duchess of York stumbles upon Lionel Logue, a speech therapist. She convinces His Majesty to attempt therapy. And what they find is not only improvement in his speech, but an unlikely friendship begins to grow between Lionel and Bertie (King George VI).

After hearing countless good things about this movie, I had to see it. However, with school and a wedding on my mind, it got pushed back. Until I watched the Oscars on Sunday, February 27th, when The King's Speech took home 4 awards, including Best Actor, Best Director aaaand Best Picture. Huge awards. Finally, incentive for me to watch the film.

I was none but pleased with it. The royals always seem to fascinate me. I'm unfamiliar with the history before Elizabeth II (well except for what I've seen on The Tudors), so it was interesting to learn about her father. I gained much respect for the monarch. His story is inspiring not only to stammerers, but to all who suffer from any speech impediments. His first wartime speech was a clear example of his accomplishments.

As the King, I believe Colin Firth delivered the performance of a lifetime. For his efforts, he was awarded both a Golden Globe and Academy Award. Rightly so. He's come a long way from What a Girl Wants. I've seen his talent grow and grow since then, and I strongly believe he is now one of the most talented actors currently in the business. Oh plus the way he pronounces his r's is simply adowable! Wight?!

But he's not the only talented actor in the movie. Both Geoffry Rush and Helena Bonham Carter give notable performances. Geoffrey Rush plays Lionel, who is compassionate for the King, but also challenged him. Because of this, the two strike up a friendship that lasts till the end of their lives. Rush is hauntingly believable, and you'll love his character for never giving up even when achieving results seemed impossible. As for Bonham Carter, it was refreshing to see her with a non-crazy role! Damn, she must be a good actress. She can nail both crazy and non-crazy. I can say with confidence that Rush and Bonham Carter are two of the finest British actors around.

That being said, please check this movie out. It's a drama, but there are a few good laughs. It's enjoyable through and through. You'll learn a lot about the frustrations of stuttering and you will appreciate all the work that goes into correcting it. The King's Speech was no doubt one of the best movies of 2010.