The King's Speech

A very enjoyable intimate drama about real issues against the backdrop of historical events. The cast is great, of course, but in a way too much so, because each of the main three characters is such a distinct actor that they overshadow their characters. The set design also has no major flaws, which is good, although that’s almost a given nowadays. (06/10/2012)

A cultured speech therapy drama about the power of the voice and the imaginary status of a king. A wonderfully blissful play of static semi-details, mannerist textures and refined interiors, against which the chaotic wallpaper of Dr. Logue proudly stands out, who understands that the king is king above all when his subjects believe him. And in the 1930s, they can trust his voice above all. It's all a typical Rocky template about an outsider who climbed to the top, even though no one believed in him. Even with its sensitively stylizing representation of history, it is the equivalent of the excellent drama Frost/Nixon. An acting concert, from Colin Firth's stressed-out creation to Helen Bonham Carter's light-legged ballet. Maybe over-modified, but I like it... more than a handsome, gelled Fincher mop of hair. (20/01/2011)

Serious themes of an interesting era in the chronicle of humanity, the beauty of Victorian England (exteriors/interiors, aesthetics), and a lead cast of two. These are the three main assets in this formally meticulously done film, which lacks pull and a good dose of emotion. The sparkle is not enough. If Tom Hooper wasn't just a good craftsman, but a progressive innovator who could put his own distinctive spin on things (and there was a ton of room for that here), this would be downright great. Academics have lost their minds over something that isn’t nearly that great. (30/10/2015)

It might start subtly and escalate very gradually, but The King's Speech deeply moved me, and when it comes to admiration for acting performances, it literally surpassed them. And just as the main character is a timid speaker and a future famous ruler, the movie is on one hand a sweet little film and on the other a spectacle that almost everyone can love and celebrate. (06/02/2011)

Behind every great man there is not always only a woman, but in the case of King George VI, a man, and perhaps a voice specialist. The King's Speech is a parade of fine performances from the (until now overlooked) Colin Firth, to the lovely Helena Bonham Carter, to the masterful Geoffrey Rush, who (for me personally) doesn't disappoint. I must also not forget the supporting but still great actors like Timothy Spall and Michael Gambon. Firth really gives a heartfelt performance and I believe his stuttering and swearing to the core. Alexandre Desplat's music also did its job and evoked the atmosphere of Great Britain in the first half of the last century perfectly. The cinematography was charming, as was the script peppered with classic British humour. In short, a film that was my cup of tea despite a few slight bumps, and while it may not be up there for film of the year, I'm still intoxicated. (30/01/2011)