This film tells the story of a true moment in history. It is England in 1936, just before the Second World War. George V dies and his son, Edward VIII, becomes king. However, Edward is in love with Wallis Simpson, an American woman who has been divorced twice, and he wants to marry her. Because marrying her is considered unacceptable for a British king at the time, Edward decides to abdicate. His brother Albert, known as Bertie, becomes king and takes the name George VI. But Bertie has suffered from a severe stammer since childhood, which is a great source of distress for someone who will have to address and encourage a nation, particularly as war approaches. The film follows his treatment with Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue. It begins with a reluctant monarch who refuses to speak, or even to accept some of Logue’s unconventional exercises, and gradually develops into a genuine and lasting friendship between the two men. The film culminates in the King’s famous radio speech, when George VI addresses the nation after Britain has declared war on Germany. The scene is deeply moving because we have witnessed his struggle throughout the film and understand just how difficult it is for him to express his thoughts and words clearly. The relationship between Bertie and Lionel is beautifully depicted, particularly the difficulties involved in telling a member of the royal family what to do and treating him as an ordinary patient. I really love Colin Firth in this role, and Helena Bonham Carter is wonderful as Queen Elizabeth. Their performances make the characters feel remarkably human behind the formality of the royal family. A marvelous film: moving, beautifully acted and wonderfully told, with a story that is both deeply personal and historically significant.
“King George VI: All that work down the drain. My own brother, I couldn’t say a single word to him in reply.
Lionel Logue: Why do you stammer so much more with David than you ever do with me?
King George VI: ‘Cos you’re b… bloody well paid to listen.
Lionel Logue: Bertie, I’m not a geisha girl.
King George VI: St… stop trying to be so bloody clever.
Lionel Logue: What is it about David that stops you speaking?
King George VI: What is it about you that bloody well makes you want to go on about it the whole bloody time?
Lionel Logue: Vulgar, but fluent; you don’t stammer when you swear.
King George VI: Oh, bugger off!
Lionel Logue’: Is that the best you can do?
King George VI: Well… bloody bugger to you, you beastly bastard.
Lionel Logue: Oh, a public school prig could do better than that.
King George VI: Shit. Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit!
Lionel Logue: Yes!
King George VI: Shit!
Lionel Logue: Defecation flows trippingly from the tongue!
King George VI: Because I’m angry!
Lionel Logue: Do you know the f-word?
King George VI: F… f… fornication?
Lionel Logue: [exasperated] Oh, Bertie!
King George VI: Fuck. Fuck! Fuck, fuck, fuck and fuck! Fuck, fuck and bugger! Bugger, bugger, buggerty buggerty buggerty, fuck, fuck, arse!
Lionel Logue: Yes…
King George VI: Balls, balls…
Lionel Logue: You see, not a hesitation!
King George VI: …fuckity, shit, shit, fuck and willy. Willy, shit and fuck and… tits.
Logue’s son: Dad, what’s going on?“