Find your voice.|Sep. 06, 2010|UK|118 Min.|R
Genre: Drama;History
Description: The King’s Speech is a 2010 film that tells the inspiring story of Prince Albert, Duke of York, the second son of King George V. At the official closing of the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley Stadium, Prince Albert struggles with a severe stammer while addressing the crowd. Despite numerous attempts to find a solution, his efforts have been discouraging. However, his wife, Elizabeth, persuades him to consult Lionel Logue, an Australian-born speech therapist based in Harley Street, who is not formally trained in medicine.
During their first session, Lionel insists on being addressed informally and asks Bertie (as Prince Albert is known within his family) to recite Hamlet’s “To be, or not to be” soliloquy while listening to classical music through headphones. Although initially frustrated, Bertie is given a recording of his recitation, which surprisingly reveals no stammer. This encourages him to return for regular sessions to address both the physical and psychological aspects of his speech issue.
Following King George V’s 1934 Royal Christmas Message broadcast, he emphasizes the importance of the wireless in connecting the royal family with the public. He also highlights the necessity of Bertie’s training, given his brother’s neglect of responsibilities. Despite an unsuccessful attempt to deliver the message himself, Bertie is motivated by the recording from Lionel and commits to daily therapy.
King George V passes away in 1936, and his eldest son, David, ascends the throne as King Edward VIII. However, a constitutional crisis arises over Edward’s desire to marry Wallis Simpson, an American socialite who has been divorced twice. As the supreme governor of the Church of England, Edward cannot marry her while her previous husbands are still alive. During an unscheduled session, Bertie confides in Lionel, expressing his frustration that, despite his progress, he still stammers when speaking to David. He also reveals the extent of Edward VIII’s controversial relationship with Simpson.
The film explores themes of perseverance, duty, and the human spirit, culminating in Bertie’s journey to find his voice and fulfill his role as king.
Cast director: Chris Stoaling
Cast actor: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Guy Pearce, Timothy Spall, Michael Gambon, Jennifer Ehle, Derek Jacobi, Freya Wilson, Ramona Marquez
Original name: The King’s Speech