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Monday 17 January 2011

Cinema

The other evening, my friend and I went to the cinema.  We go quite regularly and, usually, there are about 20 other people in the cinema, and we always get our same seats, right in the back row, in the middle, so that we can make ourselves comfortable and stretch our legs out.

Anyway, there we were bowling along with our popcorn and drink, into the screen that was showing our film.  Imagine our surprise when we saw that virtually every single seat was taken!  It was obviously a very popular film choice.  Mind you, the reviews for it have been fantastic.

What was the film, you may well ask.  Well, it is called The King's Speech, starring Colin Firth and Helena Bonham-Carter.  I think that Colin Firth is a fantastic actor anyway, and I have loved him ever since he emerged from the lake in Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice.

Mmmm! I could dwell on that for a while, but, meanwhile, back to the film I have just seen.  After the death of his father, King George V, and the scandalous abdication of King Edward VIII, the second son, Bertie (Colin Firth) is suddenly crowned King George VI of England.  It is a role that he is ill-equipped for, having suffered from a debilitating speech impediment all his life.


With his country on the brink of war and in desperate need of a leader, his wife, Elizabeth (the future Queen Mother) played by Helena Bonham-Carter, arranges for her husband to see an eccentric speech therapist, Lionel Logue. 

The King with his wife and Speech Therapist, nervously waiting to address the nation

After a rough start, the two embark on an unorthodox form of treatment, and end up being friends for life.  With the support of Logue, his family, the Government and Winston Churchill, the King overcomes his stammer and delivers a stirring radio address (and this is where the title of the film comes from) which inspires his people and unites them in battle.

This film has been many years in the making, as the Queen Mother never wanted the story told until after her death.  It really is an inspiring film, incredibly well acted, and, in the final scenes, when Colin Firth is delivering his speech as King George VI, every single person in that cinema was willing him on.  It was so quiet when the film finished, and I almost expected everyone to start wildly cheering!

The film is proving to be an enormous box office success, which goes to show that the world of the 1930's still has an enormous fascination for viewers of all ages.  I honestly think that part of its appeal is that it takes us back to a vanished age, where manners and decency ruled.  So very different from the world we live in now.  The film captures that age absolutely brilliantly, from the sets to the costumes, and I really mustn't forget to mention the music either.  You'll know what I mean if you go to see the film.  

Perhaps people have a hankering to get back some of that decency and respect.  Why else would  eleven million viewers watch the marvellous costume drama, Downton Abbey, and almost the same number watch a re-make of Upstairs Downstairs  over the Christmas period.   

Sumptious is a word I would use to describe this film.  I could watch it again and again, and would thoroughly recommend it.

21 comments:

Unknown said...

What a wonderful review. I was cheering him on before you finished. I will have to make a point to see it soon. Thanks for the awesome report.
Odie

Southhamsdarling said...

Odie - I'm sure you would really like it. To suddenly be put in that position of being King of England when you never expected it, and with his speech impediment, it must have been a frightening thing for him to cope with.

Becky said...

Thank you for the review! When I saw the previews of this movie, it didn't really strike me as one that I would like. But, I love history and after reading your post.... I will have to put it on my list of movies to see, for sure! ~ Thank you!

SkippyMom said...

We have been promising ourselves to get to the theater since this came out - it is a fabulous story and we both like Colin Firth - now I REALLY want to see it after reading your post.

And I will cheer! YAY!

Southhamsdarling said...

Becky - Mmm! If you didn't think you would like it when you saw the previews, perhaps you should stick with your original thoughts on this one. I'd hate you to be sat in the cinema thinking, "Gee, thanks a lot, thisisme. What a load of rubbish this is!" LOL!

SkippyMom - Get yourself and Pooldad to the theatre now and see this film! Hope you enjoy it.

Rebecca said...

been wanting to see this movie now i really want to see it thank you

Belle said...

I haven't been to a movie for a long time, but I told my daughter recently that I am going to this one. I know it will be wonderful.

Shady Del Knight said...

The King's Speech is definitely on my must see list, Thisisme. Thank you for the review. I believe that period pictures like this one are popular because they give us a two hour break from modern madness. They take us back to a time when there was tacit agreement in our society about the importance of manners and decency.

Jumble Mash said...

I haven't heard of this film, yet. Your review makes me wanna see it though!

Unknown said...

What a great review! I haven't heard of it yet - but sounds great!! Glad you enjoyed it!!

Gawgus things... said...

Colin Firth is such a great actor isn't he? This film is definitely on my list to watch..

Southhamsdarling said...

Becca & Belle - GO! It's a wonderful film.

Shady - you're quite right about being a 2 hour escape from the madness of the world around us. I think you will really enjoy this one.

Jumble - I just saw on the news this evening that Colin Firth was the golden globe for the best actor for this film.

mskanorado - glad you enjoyed the review. I loved the film as you can probably tell!

Gawgus things - you MUST see it!

On My Soapbox said...

I'm so glad you reviewed this! From what I had read earlier, it sounded interesting, but after reading your review I will get it for sure.

Let'sMakeADifference said...

Thanks for sharing your review!! I respect your opinion and am now looking forward to seeing it!

Holly said...

That does look like an amazing movie! I REALLY want to see it!!

Anonymous said...

You did the movie justice with this review. It was an amazing movie. I was hesitant to see it but my older sister who just happens to be a speech pathologist needed someone to go with her so I went and am so glad I did. A fantastic review of a marvelous movie!!

Southhamsdarling said...

On My Soapbox - how lovely for you to pop over to my Blog! Hope you will come by again.

Let'sMakeADifference - I'm sure you will enjoy it!

Jax - I'm so glad you enjoyed it too.

Southhamsdarling said...

Holly = I do hope you get round to seeing it!

Amy said...

I really want to see that move.

I LOVE BBC's Pride and Prejudice, it is my all time favorite move. I can watch it over and over - I have.

Thanks for the review. Now I want to see it even more.

Unknown said...

What an awesome review! I can't wait to see this one. Thank you for sharing it with us. And I am probably going to have to see Pride and Prejudice again just to remember that moment again. Has their ever been a better writer than Jane Austen? I'm sure there are many but she, along with Dickens, are my favorites. England has the very best writers and rock musicians in the world.

Southhamsdarling said...

Amy - I do hope you can get to see it.

kneesandpaws - Glad you liked the review. You must get to see this film! I agree with you about Jane Austen!