THE ASTOR REVIEW

Anchored by a stunning performance by Colin Firth as George VI, or ‘Bertie,’ the film portrays the abdication of the throne to George by his brother King Edward VIII, who became embroiled in a marital scandal. The only problem is that Bertie has a crippling stutter which will prevent him from adequately making speeches and leading the nation in the lead up to WWII. Enter Lionel Logue, an Australian speech therapist brilliantly played by Geoffrey Rush, whose unconventional methods lead to increased confidence and speaking skills for Bertie and fostered a lifelong friendship in the process. BL

IMDB SYNOPSIS

Tells the story of the man who became King George VI, the father of Queen Elizabeth II. After his brother abdicates, George ('Bertie') reluctantly assumes the throne. Plagued by a dreaded stammer and considered unfit to be king, Bertie engages the help of an unorthodox speech therapist named Lionel Logue. Through a set of unexpected techniques, and as a result of an unlikely friendship, Bertie is able to find his voice and boldly lead the country through war.