The youngest son of King George V in the United Kingdom in the 1930s, Prince Albert, known as Bertie, makes occasional public appearances as the Duke of York. These speeches, which are often broadcast on radio waves for the ears of the entire kingdom, are a real test for the prince, who has lived with the problem of dirt since childhood.
To remedy this, on the advice of his wife Elizabeth, he turns to a famous Australian speech therapist, Lionel Logue, who sometimes borders on brashness, but who claims to be able to help him. His help becomes crucial when King George V dies and Albert’s older brother, after ascending to the throne, ends up abdicating. Crowned as George VI, ‘Bertie’ must prepare the most important speech of his life: the one in which he declares war on Hitler’s Nazi Germany.
(This memorable speech could also rank well in our Top Speeches That Give Courage.)
Thanks to the excellent series The Crown (the first 5 seasons of which are also available on Netflix), we know quite well the fascinating life of Queen Elizabeth II. On the other hand, the father’s story, even if we meet him in the first season in the guise of Jared Harris, is undoubtedly less well known. However, it is just as interesting.
The extraordinary fate of this historical character, who suddenly passes from the shadows to the light and who manages to turn his greatest weakness into a real strength against all odds, really deserves to be told in a proper way. Thanks to an excellent feature film by Tom Hooper (also known for signing the series dedicated to Elizabeth I, as well as the latest version of Les Misérables), this is now complete.
Released in 2011 to immediate critical and public acclaim, The King’s Speech landed a spot at the Academy Awards, where it was the big winner that year. It was nominated in 12 categories and won 4 major statues: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay and Best Actor for Colin Firth.
It is indeed the masterful talent of its lead actors that is the film’s major asset. In addition to the extraordinary Colin Firth, all restraint, contained power and vulnerability, we also got to express the imperious Helena Bonham Carter and the especially disturbing Geoffrey Rush.
As for viewers, The King’s Speech enjoys an average of 4,297 out of 5 stars, making it one of the highest-rated biopics on AlloCiné and the best that can be found on Netflix.
(Re)discover the hidden details of ‘The King’s Speech’…
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
