History and movie buffs alike should be thrilled with The King’s Speech, an exemplary film with all the trappings of a serious awards contender. Impeccably cast and skillfully directed, the film started getting buzz when it debuted at the Toronto International film festival in September, and it has shown no signs of slowing down.
The film tells the (true) story of Prince Albert, who unexpectedly found himself taking the position of King George VI when his older brother relinquished the crown due to a scandalous relationship in 1936. Albert (Colin Firth) was afflicted with a horrible stutter for his entire life.
If he is to be King, public speaking will be the norm, yet the very thought of delivering a speech makes his blood run cold with fear. Escalating his personal crisis is the possibility of war.
He will have to deliver a speech that will inspire, reassure, and rally his kingdom all at the same time. How can he convey all those things to his subjects when all they will notice is the stutter?
Continue Reading →