Rated R for some language.
Starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Timothy Spall and Guy Pearce
Directed by Tom Hooper (John Adams)
The Academy got this one right.
After the death of his father King George V (Michael Gambon) and the scandalous abdication of King Edward VIII (Guy Pearce), Bertie (Colin Firth) who has suffered from a debilitating speech impediment all his life, is suddenly crowned King George VI of England. With his country on the brink of war and in desperate need of a leader, his wife, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), the future Queen Mother, arranges for her husband to see an eccentric speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). After a rough start, the two delve into an unorthodox course of treatment and eventually form an unbreakable bond. With the support of Logue, his family, his government and Winston Churchill (Timothy Spall), the King will overcome his stammer and deliver a radio-address that inspires his people and unites them in battle.
I think we have to begin with the amazing cast. Colin Firth gives an incredible performance and Helena Bonham Carter is remarkable as his wife Elizabeth. Usually we see her in the most bizarre role, in the most bizarre film of the year. I was refreshing to see her as a “normal” person. And finally Geoffrey Rush is crazy…crazy good.
As far as the story, it took about 30 seconds and I was hooked. It didn’t hurt that the dialogue between Firth and Rush is sharp witty and wildly entertaining. There are also moments when Bertie opens up and reveals his deep pain. Those moments are so real and so powerful. And when he is mocked by his brother a few moments later…it’s heartbreaking. Because the characters draw you in, you find yourself caring for them, rooting for them, laughing with them and crying with them.
Wonderful performances, a bit of history and an absorbing character study make The King’s Speech one of the best movies of the year. It’s Worth Buying!
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
This movie’s rating is somewhat surprising. It contains no sex or violence. It does contain the f-word several times, as Lionel tries to elicit an emotional response from Albert.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
Q: What’s the message/theme of this movie?
A: The King’s Speech is all about persevering and overcoming obstacles. As the movie begins it is almost painful to watch the King struggle to complete each sentence. What’s even harder to watch are those around him mocking him and yelling at him.
We are challenged to look into our own lives and stare down our own obstacles.
Q: How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
A: We all face obstacles and how we react to those obstacles says a lot about our character. Hopefully as we watch this film we are inspired to face our fears, struggles and obstacles…and do whatever it takes to overcome them.
James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
Overcoming obstacles is not an easy task…but it is worth it.
Q: How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
A: One of the best ways for us to overcome our obstacles is with the help of other Christians. Paul tells us to carry one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). Sometimes we help carry the burdens of family and friends and sometimes they help carry ours. It is when we feel we can’t go on or that our struggle has gotten the best of us that an encouraging word can help us take one more step.
What you need to do this week is to share your struggle with someone close to you. Allow them to help you. Allow them to encourage you…and preserve.
