The King's Speech
2010
****
Director: Tom Hooper
Cast: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Guy Pearce, Michael Gambon, Timothy Spall, Derek Jacobi
George VI ended up in power when his older brother Edward VIII ascended the throne in 1936. He was a reluctant king who dreaded public speaking due to his severe stammer. This conventional but very enjoyable British drama tells his story from 1925 to 1939, when he was coached by an unorthodox and controversial Australian speech therapist. It's a funny and touching depiction of friendship that transcends class boundaries and national borders. Oscar winner Colin Firth is the deserved star of the show, but there are several terrific performances (Rush, Bonham Carter, Gambon and Pearce, to mention a few). The film won Academy Awards also for best film, best director and best original screenplay (David Seidler).
