This is a good film that covers a lot of ground and takes you into the intimate world of King George VI (Colin Firth) back when he was still Bertie, struggling with his stammer.
Something he was always self-conscious about, it becomes of vital importance when his older brother, David (Guy Pearce) starts carrying on (for lack of a better term) with a married woman in what could be perceived as the greatest love story ever. David would give up the throne to marry the woman he loved, refusing to make her his mistress, as his brother suggested.
The Duchess of York, soon to become Queen Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter, great in an understated role) finds Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush) whose methods are unconventional but ultimately effective. The film's best scenes are when Lionel helps Bertie improve and get to the root of the problem. Despite being a prince, Bertie's childhood sucked. His father wanted his children to fear him and his first nanny was abusive and purposely neglectful to him and he was forced to write with his right hand, as it wasn't appropriate to be left-handed back at the turn of the century.
Their relationship isn't all sunshine and roses, though, Lionel is too pushy and, as it turns out, isn't actually a doctor but gets results anyway and Bertie still lacks confidence and nerve. He never expected to be king and his wife never expected to be queen but it happened nevertheless and Bertie is terrified that he will be dreadful as he can't even speak to his people as it tumbles toward another war.
While the film is great packed with top-notch performances, it isn't perfect. There is a lot of plot and it sort of jumps around a bit, but it has a lot of ground to cover and it does. The cinematography, editing, costumes and set design is impeccable. And it tells a gentle story of a great friendship, which defied the odds as true friendships should. Grade: A-
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