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The King’s Speech has garnered considerable Oscar buzz since its release in December, and not without merit. The film is one of the most compelling of the year, and has been commanding audiences with an interesting storyline, superb acting. and beautiful cinematography. The King’s Speech follows the Duke of York (“Bertie” for short) who unexpectedly assumes the throne following the abdication of his older brother Edward, and must overcome his fear of pubic speaking resulting from his debilitating stutter. The film follows Bertie (Colin Firth), as he navigates the rigid boundaries of royal life in the years leading up to his coronation and the onset of the Second World War. It centres on the relationship between the King (known as Prince Albert prior to his coronation) and his eccentric speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), whose unconventional treatment methods push Bertie to go deeper into his personal history and childhood experiences to determine the real reason for his speech impediment.

The King’s Speech depicts British history from a unique perspective, with director Tom Hooper focusing on the personal relationships and royal family dynamics that are often mocked or ignored in films about the monarchy. Firth, Rush, and Helena Bonham Carter as Bertie’s wife, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, bring this personal story to life, and supporting cast members Guy Pearce and Michael Gambon add depth to Bertie’s brother and father who have stifled Bertie for the majority of his life. The film is also aesthetically pleasing; the cinematography and set design are rich with depth and colour and show the stark contrast between royal and common life in the Great Depression. The King’s Speech is a memorable portrayal of a reluctant king, whose perseverance in overcoming personal obstacles was essential to his status as a beloved historical figure in wartime Britain.