The King's Speech [DVD] [2010] - £9.97 (Pre-order) & Delivery @ Amazon

The King’s Speech is the tale of Elizabeth II's father and his remarkable friendship with maverick speech therapist Lionel Logue. Fascinating, moving and often humourous it charts the personal relationship that developed between England's reluctant King George VI, plagued by a nervous stammer, and his irreverent Australian speech therapist.

As the second son of George V, Prince Albert "Bertie" was not expected to ascend to the throne, but when his brother Edward abdicates to marry American Wallis Simpson, Bertie, as his successor, is crowned King George VI.

George becomes King as radio is taking off as a mass medium and the Second World War looms. Thrust into the international spotlight he must speak not only to the nation but to the people of the British Empire, across the world. His wife, Queen Elizabeth - the future Queen Mother - is tireless in her belief in him. Having tried all the traditional doctors she engages unorthodox outsider, Logue, to help him find a voice that can inspire a nation on the brink of war.The King`s Speech is directed by Tom Hooper and written by David Seidler. It stars Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Guy Pearce, Timothy Spall, Derek Jacobi & Michael Gambon. Music is by Alexandre Desplat and photography is by Danny Cohen. The idea for the film came about after Seidler read about how King George VI (Firth) overcame his stammer after a friendship was formed with his voice coach Lionel Logue (Rush). Having himself overcome a stutter problem in his youth, Seidler set about writing his story from informed information. A bonus came before filming started when notebooks belonging to Logue were put forward for use. These enabled Seidler to incorporate works from the books into the screenplay. Plot picks up just prior to George`s brother, Edward (Pearce), abdicating the throne.Thus thrusting the stammering George on to the throne of England. With World War looming, George will be needed to make the speech of speeches to becalm his nation. But first he must work closely with the affable Logue and hope it brings an end to his vocal woes.

Writing this just a couple of days before the Academy Awards so I have no idea how The King`s Speech will (has) performed there. But up till now what we do know is that Hooper`s film has won or been nominated for awards by the bucket load already, including a triumphant show at the BAFTA`s where it won 7 of the 14 categories it was nominated for; including Best Film and Best Actor for Colin Firth. At the time of writing the film has made over $230 million in profit: a figure sure to rise considerably since the film is still playing to packed theatres in the UK.

I myself ventured to the theatre on 22nd February, that`s over 6 weeks since its release in its homeland, and as I approached the cinema I saw there was a queue! A queue? I haven`t queued to get into a film since the halcyon days of Jaws, Star Wars and Close Encounters of the Third Kind! I noticed there was many youngsters in this line, so of course they were going to see the Yogi Bear movie, or that Gnomeo & Juliet film? Surely? Not so. In to The King`s Speech they all rolled, an audience that ranged from 12 years of age to the fragile OAP day trippers. For the next two hours the only sounds I could hear were that of laughter, hushed words of praise for what was on the screen, and even sobs during some of the more tender moments within. No mobile phones, no chitter chatter about acne or the boy next door, just an across the board appreciation for expert film making.

There in is the reason why The King`s Speech is coining it in at the box office and breaking merry records as it goes. It has universal appeal, a film without tricks, just a simple involving story acted supremely by a cast of bona fide thespians. It beats a true heart, whilst doling out a visual history lesson to those so inclined to matters of the British Monarchy and the political upheaval about to surface as Adolf started his surge. Even for a film so chocked full of dialogue and basic human interaction, the pace is brisk and never sags, the quieter reflective moments only bring anticipation of the next enjoyable scene. When all is said and done, The King`s Speech has snowballed because of word of mouth, it started out as an intended independent picture, to be shown is selected theatres only, and now it`s arguably the best film of 2010/2011. Believe me, believe the hype, you owe it to yourself to see this beautiful movie. 10/10