When it comes to finding the one role that can some up an actor's abilities, there is no other clear example than Colin Firth and "The King's Speech".
I wasn't sure what to expect when I went to watch this film. I'd heard good and bad reviews, but nothing that clearly described it for me. I'm glad that I finally went and saw it myself.
The film follows King George VI's (Firth) ascension to the throne and his battle against his stammer. Aided by the love and support of his wife, George seeks out the help of Lionel Logue (played by Geoffrey Rush).
Logue's methods are highly unusual, ranging from getting the king to swear to listening to music as he reads to doing tongue twisters. The chemistry between the two make the friendship believable, even when they refuse to speak to one another.
Although the true reason for the king's stammer is never revealed (perhaps because it is unknown), a great deal about his personal life is revealed that shows the stresses hew has before taking the thrown.
Firth's performance here is extraordinary. His timing, as strange as that is to call it, was perfect in capturing a person with a stammer. The stress and worry of being king also shines through.
The annoying part about this movie is the rating. I have seen plenty of PG-13 movies with equal to amount of profanity and see no reason such an uplifting message should be hidden behind a rating that some may hope better secures it awards. There are two moments in which the "f" word is used prominently during speech therapy. Why that constitutes an adult being present, I'm not sure. Seeing as I've heard worse in a gym locker room.
The film is funny, uplifting and carries the inspirational message that nothing is impossible to overcome.
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