Let Courage March Forward
——A Review of The King’s Speech

江蘇省錫山高級中學 李雨瑨

指導教師:王 靖

The King’s Speech is a 2010 British film directed by Tom Hooper.In the film,Colin Firth plays the leading role as King George VI and Geoffrey Rush plays another important role of Lionel Logue.The film won Best Picture and Colin Firth won Best Actor at the 83rd Academy Awards.

Based on a true story,the film is set in London in the 1930s.Prince Albert,second son of King George V,suffered from stammer(口 吃),which makes it extremely hard to give fluent speech on royal occasions.The prince nearly had given up hope of a cure until he met Lionel Logue,an Australian who helped people with speech problems.When Albert’s elder brother gave up being king,Prince Albert had to sit on the throne(王位).With Lionel’s help,Prince Albert got over the stammer and delivered wonderful speeches to inspire his people as the Great King George VI of Britain.

My favourite part,also the most touching part,is when the new king suffered from the pressure of stammer,he let out a roar deep down his heart,“I have the right to be heard.I have a voice.”And later he got a warm and trusting reply“Yes,you do”from his friend,Lionel.Due to his speech problem,he always regarded himself as a man who couldn’t be a good king.However,under the inspiration of Lionel,he realized that only those who overcame the fear inside could let his inner voice echo(回響).With the recognition(認可) from both others and himself,he picked up his courage,accepted his position and announced,“I am your king!”I am sure that at that moment,King George VI must have heard his inner voice,“Let courage march forward!”

The film is a typical historical film without any fancy special effects or grand settings,but the great acting skills of the actors make it enjoyable.In the meantime,Hooper skillfully creates uncertainty and tension with narrow indoor sets and dark lighting.Also,the clothing,the fog and furniture give audiences a glance of British style.

All in all,I highly recommend this film.Maybe you’ll find yourself gaining courage just like the King.Hope you enjoy.