The King’s Speech

[Diane65]

Roman Numerals: Try a capital i for a Roman 1.

Thanks Beate; I think I need to go to bed as been out far too much over the weekend so my brain isn't functioning too well but couldn't miss the film for the world but in hind sight should have reviewed it in the morning when I'm awake!!

[cinefila1]

This was a very engaging movie, both heartfelt and funny and with a great dose of wit. Colin’s performance as King George VI makes us feel his pain and alienation in the process of trying to find his voice, at a time when royalty was expected to address the nation and broadcast was quickly becoming the vehicle for communicating with the people. Geoffrey Rush as the unconventional speech therapist and failed actor from Perth is superb. Loved the snappy dialogues too!

[kevinknapman]

Saw this at Odeon Wimbledon earlier. Film started 10 mins late, was stopped after a couple of minutes because there was something wrong with the picture then started again 10 mins later. Which was slightly annoying.

As for the film I really enjoyed it. I guess I was expecting the kind of film that screams 'Give me an Oscar now!!', due to the publicity so far, but it was thankfully much more than that. This was in part due to Colin Firth's excellent performance. He managed to really get under the skin of the character. A moving and often heartbreaking portrayal.
What really made the movie however was two specific relationships. The first and most obvious between Bertie and Lionel. The sight of the repressed Royal coming into contact with a less than reverential Australian resulted in some fantastic comic moments but was also quite touching. The second between Bertie and Elizabeth. A completely convincing relationship, Firth and Bonham Carter's great chemistry was evident. She was also a lot less quirky than she has been of late which was a relief. It's clearly quite healthy to get away from Tim Burton once in a while.
The rest of the supporting cast were really good too (Michael Gambon managing to give a fully rounded portrayal as King George V despite only appearing in a couple of scenes). The only false note was Timothy Spall as Winston Churchill which felt a little too close to caricature. A shame when the rest of the cast were spot on. I also found it a little hard to accept Guy Pearce as Colin Firth's older brother despite some obvious aging make-up.
Visually it was quite strong and the Alexandre Desplat score was pretty good too (not out until Jan 3rd sadly) but it's the performances that really make this work. And I have to be completely honest and admit to a few moments where I got quite teary-eyed.
Wonderful stuff.

[weirdfilms33]

Where abouts were you sitting at Wimbledon, Kevin?

[MOVIE CRAZY]

Saw this last night at Southampton where the cinema was probably less than a quarter full.

However, not complaining as film started bang on time and I thought it was excellent.

Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush were brilliant with strong performances from everybody.

A fair bit of humour as well and couldn't stop smiling every time we saw Margaret(played by the girl in Outnumbered)

Definitely recommend it and would score it as 9.5/10.

[kevinknapman]

Where abouts were you sitting at Wimbledon, Kevin?

Halfway on one of the aisle seats.

[baty]

I saw the film in Swansea last night, about 70% full.
The cinema was having a refit of its heating system and we were warned to keep our coats on. A hot drink to keep us with the living would have been appreciated, cold ! it was warmer in the freezing wind outside!
Anyway back to the film. Superb acting. I really felt for 'Bertie', the characters as a the whole were believable and you could see the terror in his eyes as becoming King was more a reality. Helen BC, was excellent as Elizabeth. I remember my mum saying that she (Elizabeth) had no time for Wallis and she blamed her for the early death of 'Bertie'. A really good film. 9/10

[Sunny Saver]

We really enjoyed the film last night. Colin Firth and Helena Bonham-Carter were both excellent. Guy Pearce was very English. Likewise, didn't think Winston was that convincing.

Nice to see Beate again... after her bout of eye trouble!

[superhero]

Wow a full house of compliments so far......

[prettyxcool]

can't wait to see it tonight!!