
The King’s Speech
(M) Paramount DVD/BD
Rightly taking home the Best Picture, Director and Actor Oscars this year, this regal drama is slopping over with the stuff many seek in a high-quality film.
A splendid ensemble cast (led by Colin Firth’s King George VI and Geoffrey Rush as maverick Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue) does a smashing job with David Seidler’s emotive screenplay, brought to elegant life by Tom Hooper’s direction and the lavish production design.
But The King’s Speech is more than a mere tally of commendable elements. This fictionalised account of how a British monarch overcame an affliction (stuttering) resounds with issues and outbursts we all can relate to.
These include: dedication to duty; low self-esteem; the healing power of friendship; embarrassment and psychological torment of a physical ailment; damaging pressure wielded by stern parenting; loyalty; self-belief and determination.
Yes, this reads like a list of clichés but, when presented with integrity, humour and sophistication, they produce genuine engagement in The King’s Speech.
Sadly, though, someone is overlooked as a king tries to change his life — Jesus. How often do we do the same thing, when trying to “fix” ourselves?
Ben McEachen
Share
Insights Magazine
UPCOMING EVENTS
Pre-recorded service of worship for the 2021 Day of Mourning
24/01/20212021 #ChangeTheHeart Prayer Service
25/01/2021Installing solar panels: A talk for Uniting Church members
23/02/2021Gospel Yarning 2021
25/02/2021 - 27/02/2021Climate Action Conference - Future Directions
20/03/2021- See more events
Connect With Us
ADD AN EVENT
Are you hosting an event in the Synod that will be of interest to Insights’ readers?
To add an event listing email us your event details. A full list of events can be found on our Events page.