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