Reviews

The director films microphones in ways that make them seem threatening, castles in ways that make them seem almost homey, and royals in ways that make them endearing, and he ends up with a film that's smart, lush and a lot more amusing than you'd expect.

But it's the relationship between the two men that makes the film work: Geoffrey Rush's teacher cracking the quip, and Colin Firth so persuasive as the panicky king that by the time he gets to his crucial speech about going to war, you'll be panicking right along with him.

By Bob Mondello, from NPR (National Public Radio)

The King's Speech is a textbook Oscar Best Picture contender: a fascinating but largely unknown true story set within the private realm of the British royal family; a droll and spirited comedy of clashing cultures; an inspirational drama of overcoming a handicap; and a movie with art-house credentials that's also a genuine crowd-pleaser. With this captivating feature, Tom Hooper makes the leap from ambitious HBO projects like Elizabeth I and the "John Adams" miniseries to major feature-film director, guiding award-caliber performances from Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush and an impressive supporting cast.

By Kevin Lally, from Film Journal International

I like to consider myself a fan of most movie genres, but I'd be hard-pressed to find a "historical biopic" that I'd count among my favorite films. While The King's Speech does nothing to change that particular claim, it is a fairly enjoyable movie that tackles some serious subject matter with a bit of humor and charm mostly lost in a genre that seems to pride itself on pomp and stuffiness.

It's easy to see why Colin Firth is getting Oscar buzz for his work as the eventual King George VI of England in this movie: it's a powerful performance, at various times full of self-loathing, uncertainty, stubbornness, and redemption. The King's Speech is a feel-good movie, but one that doesn't overtly manipulate the audience while providing some interesting commentary on the power of communication in the digital age.

By Ben, from Filmonic.com