REVIEW: THE KING'S SPEECH

4.5/5

By royal appointment Colin Firth delivers his most regal performance.

12A, 118 Minutes. Starring: Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter, Geoffrey Rush, Guy Pearce, Michael Gambon, Timothy Spall, Derek Jacobi, Eve Best. Director: Tom Hooper. Screenplay: David Seidler

Mr. Darcy really has come a long way since 'Pride & Prejudice'. Colin Firth is quickly becoming one of the premier leading men, not just in England, but the world beyond Hollywood. Last year he almost struck Oscar gold with a defining performance in 'A Single Man'. So this year the Academy Award Nominee has the enlisted help of Academy Award Winner Geoffrey Rush in more ways than one.

'The Kings Speech' does exactly what it says on the Corgi, dog food tin. The film centres around dark and crucial times back in British history when it faced World War II with Hitler's Nazi Germany. You know your history. Still this really incredible, true story centres around a crucial Wartime address that Firth's King George VI, (or 'Bertie' as he was more affectionately known) must give. His brother (played brilliantly British by Aussie Guy Pearce) is too busy playing Prince Charming to be the King that England needs. So it's up to George to assume the throne, but pause...the King suffers from a stammer, which impedes his everyday life and if he's not careful will do the same to the confidence of his country.

So her royal highness, Elizabeth (played to the English tee by Helena Bonham Carter) seeks out another Australian, in the form of Geoffrey Rush's character (Lionel Logue) to help with King George's problem. What results is inspiration, drama, humour and fine film making. Firth really could be honored for this film...and I'm not just talking about by the Academy. Rush could also pick up his second Oscar as he takes off his Barbosa beard and stops playing Pirate games in a seriously stellar supporting role. The chemistry between these two is incredible, from the methodical rib tickling moments to the profoundly touching ones. It's what drives this film. This '2010 Toronto International Film Festival People's Choice Award' winner will need more room in it's trophy room.

This film is a direction of perfection, capturing the history and look of Great Britain impeccably. From the first address in Wembely, to the final salute in Buckingham Palace your so immersed in this movie you really do feel like it's a picture of history. The score is also solemnly sound and gloriously uplifting at the same time. Everything that this film does to take you back in time is captured just the right way. Even Winston Churchill is portrayed flawlessly by Timothy Spall, and you thought Tarantino did a good job on 'Inglorious Basterds', two thumbs up.

Speaking of the supporting cast, everyone speaks for themselves with standout performances across the board. From Guy Pearce's undeniable smarm, to Rush's classy charm. Mrs. Tim Burton also furthers her legend with a performance that is more Helen Mirren than Queenie from 'Blackadder'. There is also a whole host of classic British talent from Derek Jacobi to Michael Gambon rounding out the cast.

The crown jewel of this piece however is Firth, who delivers a classic performance as King George. Troubled but determined, Colin captures George perfectly, hook, line and Golden February awards sinker, and you thought he did well as a single man. This film is beyond inspiring, primarily because of it's stars influential performance. If you can't imagine how hard it is to suffer from a stutter, imagine how hard it is to act like this with dignity, poise and convincing assertiveness. Still Firth's portrayal does this with class, speaking sheer volumes. This isn't just the performance of the year, it's the performance of Firth's career. After all, as this film teaches, great men where meant to lead. Time to follow. TIM DAVID HARVEY.