The journey of King George VI trying to rid himself of a speech impediment before he addresses Britain as we stride into war with Germany is a story that, in the wrong hands, could have gone in a very odd, and boring direction. Thankfully Director Tom Hooper manages to keep the story at a sensible tempo, basing the story primarily on the king's stammer and how it affects his regal position. The Politics, personal anguish of his brother Prince/King David and the upcoming second world war all feature, but are not the subject of the film.
It help's ofcourse that Colin Firth is simply marvellous, sorry to sound overly British (as I detest the label) but in the context of the performance it is the only description that suites. Though flawed, he is shown to be in such a unique and unlikely (to any of us common folk) situation that you can't help but feel sorry for him, but it's the way he carries out such brilliant dialogue with the stammer that impresses the most. It's reported that his father had a similar impediment and it aided his performance. it shows.
In supporting (but no less vital) roles we have Georffy Rush as Aussie speech therapist Lional Loque and Helena Bonham-Carter as Queen Mother herself, The Duchess of York. Both pushing (and at some points, pulling) his royal tongue twisted into the right direction.
Conclusion? It could have quite easily have been nothing more than a large scale TV movie, but that hasn't stopped it being utterly charming (if not, a little over-rated) and full of interesting characters who, historically accurate or not, paint Britain's royals during war-time in a rather favourable light, one to watch at the Oscars, and great for royal entusiasts, but not a classic. 6/10
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