The King's Speech

Released: 2010
Biography, Drama
Director: Tom Hooper
Starring: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Guy Pearce, Helena Bonham Carter
Running Time: 118 minutes
Rated: R

The breakdown: The true story of King George VI of Britain and his speech therapist/friend who teaches him how to overcome his stutter for public broadcasts.

This was a very good and entertaining movie.  I understand why it won 4 Academy Awards including best picture and best lead actor.
Before King George VI took the throne, he was a shy man who wanted to keep to himself in the background of his father, King George V.  He had an older brother, played by Guy Pearce, who would first be in line after their father died.  Eventually, King George V does die and the older Duke becomes King Edward VII, but he is a bit irresponsible and cannot keep the crown.  He's fallen in love with an American commoner who's twice divorced and as the King and head of the Church, you cannot hold the position while married to a divorced person, so he steps down to marry her.  Unfortunately for King George VI, who's name is Albert, this means he must become King.  He's terrified of the position along with having to give speeches all the time and he stutters so badly.  After seeking out multiple doctors and speech therapists, he has all but given up hope.  His wife finds someone whose methods are irreverent and unconventional for his time, but he is very good and someone they haven't tried yet.  Soon, his methods are working and Albert, called Bertie, is starting to speak easier.  The speech therapist and the King become good friends and King George becomes a good public speaker.

Rated R for a small string of obscenities due to the unconventional treatment the speech therapist gives, this movie should not be missed even with this rating.  The movie overall, is a very good piece of film for young and old alike.

I give it 4 and 1/2 stars for being interesting, great acting, entertaining, and a solid piece of work.  See it.