A superb work of film art: "The King's Speech."

[CTyankee]

This film is something to rejoice over. It is an exceptionally fine account of King George VI's accession to the throne and his speech disability. It is historically rich and beautifully made.

I cannot praise the actors enough. If Colin Firth doesn't get both the Golden Globe and the Oscar, then something is terribly wrong! Geoffrey Rush as his speech therapist and Helena Bonham Carter as Queen Elizabeth (mother of current queen) give exquisite performances.

This is a wonderful historical account of what happened in the royal family at the time of George V's death and thru the abdication of his older son and accession of George VI.

There's so much richness here -- the story of his relationship with the speech therapist, played by Rush. The therapist's own family portrait, the wife and children of George VI (with special poignance in the character of a very young Elizabeth II!)-- and it is a marvelous experience.

I highly recommend this film to DU!

[ananda]

1. Ditto.

The King's Speech is the best film I've seen in years -- high art and so moving.

Also -- You can listen to King George Vi's actual speech to compare with Colin Firth's performance, here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/archive/ww2outbreak/7918.shtml

[CTyankee]

3. Thanks! Why don't they make more movies like this instead of crap?

I got my butt to a crowded holiday time theatre after driving thru lots of traffic and parking far away from the mall. I do that for something worthwhile. I wouldn't do it for the latest "Fokkers" movie!

"Black Swan" and "Rabbit Hole" are on my list also...

[SoCalDem]

4. They usually only make one of "these" a year.. to be released at Oscar selection time

They all have the same theme.. overcoming severe obstacles

Here's a fun site, if you love movies:

http://www.filmsite.org/bestpics.html

[CTyankee]

6. Oh, this theme is evergreen!

But in this film, it is the richness of the characters, the cinematography, the beauty of the "look" of the film in all its aspects, and its underlying intelligence that really gets you.

Thanks for the link!:hi:

[proud2BlibKansan]

14. I like those Fockers movies

:hide:

[roguevalley]

7. There is a great book I think its called Elizabeth and Wallis

that talks about this. Elizabeth hated Wallis Simpson to her dying day because she felt she was responsible for him being king with the abdication. George was so stressed his life was shortened as a result. Fabulous read.

[jobycom]

2. What they hell does that have to do with Michael Vick?

Thanks for the review. The previews and reviews looked good. Glad to hear it lives up to them. Those are two and a half of my favorite actors (Colin Firth is moving up the list).

[earth mom]

5. I love these kind of movies-can't wait to see it! nt

[applegrove]

8. I'm going to wait till it comes out on Dvd. My parents are anglophiles and would

like to see it at home.

[CTyankee]

13. They are in for a treat! You will all love it...

[Dems2002]

9. Agreed!

I saw this movie with my family over the holidays and agree, it's terrific, and the acting is fabulous. Of course, it made me really anticipate a movie on the Queen Mum (George's wife and also Elizabeth)

[dickthegrouch]

10. K&R

I am an ex-pat Brit and loooooved it

Derek Jacobi was fabulous as the Arch-Bishop, and I've always liked Guy Pearce.

I will definitely be rooting for this one to get an Oscar.

[kestrel91316]

11. Agreed. Excellent Oscar-worthy film. Just saw it Monday.

[WinkyDink]

12. I'll go if there's algebra required.

:-)

[Sherman A1]

15. Got to see it yesterday,

It was indeed an excellent film.

[jwirr]

16. Thank you. It sounds like something I want to take my granddaughter

to. She hated history in high school and I have been using books and movies to show her there is more to it than names, dates and places. She is also interested in the only royal family we know anything about.

[CTyankee]

17. This is an excellent source for her. It will expose history and cinematic art and acting

as well. So beautifully done. She'll be enraptured...

[WolverineDG]

18. I loved this movie!

Although I do think they just skimmed the surface of the abdication crisis. They did make "David" look like a complete dick, though.

on edit: people in the theatre when I watched it applauded the King's speech when he finished it (as well at the end of the movie). I haven't seen something like that in years.

dg

[elias7]

19. saw it at Telluride-by-the-sea a couple of months ago

Moving and inspirational...well told story, brilliantly acted, a perfect movie