“The King’s Speech”
No, Colin Firth is not my favorite Mr. Darcy and my love for Matthew Macfadyen is undiminished. However, that clarification made, I have never said I do not admire and appreciate Colin Firth both in his stellar turn as Mr. Darcy or as an actor over all. Yet I will admit that until seeing The King’s Speech, Mr. Firth was not on my Top 10 List of personal favorite actors. Well, I believe that has now changed!
This movie is phenomenal! I attended a viewing on Friday with my husband, daughter, and several ladies from my JASNA Region. All of us were excited about seeing this movie that has won several awards already – Colin Firth the Golden Globe and SAG Best Actor, just to name two – and been nominated for an astounding 12 Academy Awards and 14 BAFTAs! Our reasons varied slightly: They wanted to see Colin and a good movie; I wanted to see a historical film that sounded terrific and happened to star Colin! In the end we all agreed that whatever drove us into the theater, the end results is that we were moved and blown away by a superior film.
The synopsis on the official website–
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. Based on the true story of King George VI, THE KING’S SPEECH follows the Royal Monarch’s quest to find his voice.
I honestly cannot recommend this movie highly enough. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about it. Will it win the Oscar? Who knows. I will be rooting for Mr. Firth, Geoffrey Rush (a longtime favorite), and the divine Helena Bonham Carter. When it comes to Best Picture it is a toss up between The King’s Speech and Inception. That is a toughie for me. Needless to say, I’ll be happy either way.
Colin Firth is my favorite Mr. Darcy. I saw Pride and Prejudice on the E channel in late 1990’s.
The first time I even remotely became interested in Jane Austen was when I seen Colin Firths "Pride and Prejudice." He will always be darcy in my mind, but he did an amazing job in this movie. Maybe I am a little prejudice, but I still like him as Darcy 🙂
I really wanted to applaud at the end of our session May! But was too embarassed to start! All of the accolades coming Colin's way are well deserved. I shall join you and keep my fingers crossed too 😉
TSBO devotee
Vee
I loved the movie because it is not only about the Royals and history but about one man's personal hell with seemingly no way out. Luckily for him somebody was there to help him in his and the nation's hour of need. And Vee is right, there are some very funny moments and others which made me cry. Colin has said in an interview that whilst filming the last scene he was so tense that he got a pinched nerve in his arm. Once in a while a movie comes along which is extra special and this is it! Oh and something strange happened in UK Cinemas, people were standing up and applauding at the end – very unusual for the Brits! Fingers crossed Colin gets an Oscar!
I agree Sharon this was an exceptional film. I oved Geoffrey Rush and Colin Firths portrayals. They worked so well together. I cried a couple of times during the film but also laughed and sat on the edge of my seat too! Wonderfully made!
I generally love the Royal family, so this kinda private look into their lives was pretty special. Colin won me in this role. He is quite good in most of his movies but this one is extra special.
Apart from Jennifer Ehle being in this one, "Mr Collins" (David Bamber) from the same adaptation was in it too as the theatre person.
Seli it is definitely worth watching if you get a chance!
TSBO devotee
Vee
The movie sounds wonderful. Now I am going to have to put it on my list of things to do!
Yes, I forgot to mention that Jennifer Ehle, Lzzy Bennet from the 1995 P&P with Colin, played Geoffrey Rush's wife. Her role is relatively small and she only had one scene with Colin Firth, but she was in there. Kind of cool, but then in England these actors all seem to pop up in just about everything!
Sharon, it is a wonderful movie and the role of a lifetime (again!) for Colin. Did you see the P&P connection? LOL!