By God, we’re rendered speechless!
Rendered speechless, eh?
Yes. Yes. And Yes.
If only you schmucks see the movie, you’d understand how apposite and in sync with the movie the phrase ‘rendered speechless’ is.
Folks, it’s been a while since these ol’ Indian eyes enjoyed such a bloody good movie.
The King’s Speech is an Oscar worthy masterpiece.
Offbeat Story
With an offbeat story topped off by superlative acting, The King’s Speech is a powerful example to Bollywood filmmakers that a magnificent and entertaining movie need not be all about love or the hero beating five baddies to pulp a la Dabbang.
Set in the 1920s and 1930s, the movie is about the serious stammer afflicting the Duke of York, Prince Albert (later King George VI) and the unconventional techniques adopted by an Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue.
Bad enough in a commoner, stammering in a Royal is, of course, devastating. Particularly, with the invention of the radio and the expectation of royal addresses over this new invention.
Supported by his devoted wife Elizabeth, the Prince tries various tactics to rid himself of his stammering including in one amusing instance putting five marbles in the mouth.
And then Elizabeth discovers the Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue.
That’s when the rubber meets the road, fellas.
Solid Acting
If the movie was merely good so far, with Lionel Logue’s entry the movie, as if on an overdose of steroids, gets catapulted into excellent territory.
From now on, the movie proceeds only in top gear.
Together, Colin Firth, who plays Prince Albert a.k.a Bertie, and Geoffrey Rush as Lionel Logue set the screen on fire.
Their interaction, their confrontation, their joint work to rid Bertie of the speech impediment and their unconventional methods come together in an amalgam that’s sheer joy to behold.
The duo light up the screen as few actors can.
The lessons, dialogs and repartee between Bertie and Lionel are delightful and the photography solid as it conveys the agony of humiliation each time Bertie struggles to get the words out in his public speeches.
Playing Bertie’s wife Elizabeth, Helena Bonham Carter is a charm. As always.
In The King’s Speech, director Tom Hooper has delivered a gem that’s the talk of the town.
For movie buffs, to not see The King’s Speech would be a sacrilege.
The King’s Speech is playing in theaters across the U.S. As for all ye nimble-fingered rascals in India, need we even say anything further. 😉
King’s Speech – May All You Schmucks Rot in Hell if You Don’t Watch this Gem added by SearchIndia.com on
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i know this isnt the right catagory but did you guys see this?:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/article1094519.ece?homepage=true
i thought you guys might be interested since it happened in south india and most of the victims were tamil.
SearchIndia.com Responds:
No, we were not aware of it until we saw your comment.
That’s what happens when you believe in all these stupid ‘Gods.’
actually you should have said “that’s what happens when you go JEEP (that was what caused it)
SearchIndia.com Responds:
Swami Saranam, Ayyappa
SaranamMaranamIf only all those devotees had stayed home or gone to watch Vijay’s new movie Kaavalan instead of Sabarimalai they’d be alive today.
some devotees of Vijay did crazier stuff on the day of Kaavalan’s release:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iK-TirVTIlM
SearchIndia.com Responds:
Are you sure it’s not a publiShitty stunt by Dhanush?
After all, it’s Tamil Nadu where nothing is what it seems. 😉
I’ve witnessed equally crazy stuff in theatres. If you think the politicians here are nuts, the public is much worse.
3/4th of the youth in TN can be split in two groups as Vijay fans and Ajith fans. Often, each group abuses the other, sometimes even leading to a brawl. When i went to watch Billa in the theatre, the majority of Ajith fans were hurling abuses at Prabhu’s character for causing the death of Billa. Such is the pathetic scenario that’s prevailing. This is also the main reason why directors stick to the same old pathetic formula of 5 songs, bunch of fights, love at first sight etc.
Any film with tight story, screenplay and crisp dialogs featuring a big star fails to get a decent response unless it has some commercial elements. There are only one or two exceptions to this. Anbe Sivam is a classic example of a wonderful film that wasn’t given due credit.
Tamil movie fans, for the most part, are content with the garbage that is thrown at them(like Vettaikaran, endhiran, thirupachi etc)
SearchIndia.com Responds:
You write: When i went to watch Billa in the theatre, the majority of Ajith fans were hurling abuses at Prabhu’s character for causing the death of Billa.
Surely, the above belongs in our Incredible India section.
Or evolution has not followed its usual path among the youth of Tamil Nadu.
Finally, we believe Tamil movie fans are a reflection of their stars. 😉
“Any film with tight story, screenplay and crisp dialogs featuring a big star fails to get a decent response unless it has some commercial elements” True and unfortunate.
But at the end of the day, all films need to be commercially viable. For that to happen in TN, songs, dance, comedy, fights have to be included. The producers, distributors dont give a damn about the quality of a film, they just want their money!
Did you know in Kaakha Kaakha, Gautham Menon initially didnt include the Ramya Krishnan item song? Also remember the scene where, after Jyothika gets kidnapped and Suriya’s at the hospital, Suriya just screams and gets out of the hospital to get Pandiya? Well, originally that scene wasnt there, but the producers told Gautham that the original wasnt “heroic enough”, hence why they included this one. Its the producers. Likewise, Myshkin’s Anjadhe and Chithiram Pesuthadi had item songs just to get people to come and watch Malavika or whatever dancing! Myshkin later said that he regretted putting those in his films, and that it was only due to outside pressure…
You will only get an improvement in quality of films once the mentality of the audience changes. Until then, you’re gonna have to put up with stuff like Endhiran, Sura, Billa, etc
SearchIndia.com Responds:
Have you seen King’s Speech. Released in your country.
@trishna147
Yes, only when the mentality of the audience changes will we get quality films.
Btw Kavalan seems to be a bit different from Vijay’s previous films. No punch dialogs, no introductory song and all. Obviously, it didn’t go down well with some of the Vijay fans who expected a mass masala “entertainer”. If this movie too goes down the drain like Sura, then it is the end of the road for Vijay.
But aside from these crappy films, we do at times get some decent films like Angadi Theru, Chennai 28,Mynaa, Aayirathil Oruvan etc.
Have you seen Ilaignan? Trailer looks interesting.
@SI
when is your review of 7g Rainbow Colony coming?
Try to watch Katradhu Thamizh too.
SearchIndia.com Responds:
7G? One of these days.
Katradhu Thamizh a.k.a. Tamil M.A. is already on our to-watch list.
@1012900
The people are raving about Kaavalan only because its a love story and the fact that it isnt a masala film. Otherwise, if you compare it to other recent love stories, its just ordinary. Even the comedy isnt as good as Siddique-Vijay-Vadivelu’s previous Friends. The much talked about Vijay-Asin chemistry was just missing. Asin looks lost. Its as if she doesnt know whether to stick to south or disappear to the north. The music is average as per Vijay standard. Vijay fan(atic)s love it. Cinema lovers are sticking to Aadukalam. The rest are going for Siruthai.
I thought Mynaa was a tamer version of Paruthiveeran. I preferred Paruthiveeran (maybe it was more shocking at that time, and watching Mynaa now, i just thought it had a similar story). But it was nice anyhow.
As for Ilaignan – well, its scripted by Mr Karunanithi, do you actually think its gonna have a decent storyline apt for 21st century? And the reviewers arent particularly nice either.
SearchIndia.com Responds:
1. You write: Asin looks lost. Its as if she doesnt know whether to stick to south or disappear to the north
We think Asin should find a little hole and disappear in it a la Alice.
Nobody would notice and nobody would care. Good riddance.
2. From what we’ve read, there doesn’t seem to be much buzz for any of the three Tamil releases.
@trishna147
I’m in no mood to risk watching Kavalan anyway. I’d rather watch the malayalam movie Bodyguard. IMO Dileep(Bodyguard’s main lead) shows a wider range of emotions than Vijay.
There is absolutely no talk about Siruthai. I’m surprised because all of Karthi’s previous films were much talked about and the word of mouth was also very good. I think Karthi has made his first mistake by doing a mass masala entertainer. All his other movies were beautiful including the violent Paruthiveeran.
Aadukalam is the talk of the town. It’s slowly gaining appreciation from people all over.
@SI
Zero publicity for Kaavalan because of the conflict between theatre owners and Vijay. They demanded that he pay for the loss they incurred by showing his previous films. Many people aren’t even aware that it’s been released. I don’t give a f*ck anyway.
Did Aadukalam release in the US?
Of the 3 films, most prefer Aadukalam.
SearchIndia.com Responds:
Yes, Aadukalam released here but as we said in response to an earlier comment we had guests and couldn’t go out during Pongal.
kaavalan, rediff rating: 2.5 , Vijay of yore is back!! Really, bullshit! He is the same ass as ever!
But still Kaavalan was a better option for the devotees.
Of the 3 releases, Aadukaalam by Selvaraghavan, is told as the best. Dhanush and Tapassee are the actors. Kaarthi fails in Siruthai this time.
SearchIndia.com Responds:
You write: Of the 3 releases, Aadukaalam by Selvaraghavan, is told as the best.
According to Wiki, Vetrimaran is director of Aadukalam NOT Selvaraghavan.
Just realized that True Grit wasn’t nominated for anything.. I was thinking that it will be a battle between Colin Firth and The Dude. Will Colin win? How are Jesse’s chances? Colin will probably the Oscar, because he has been around for a long time.. Watched Blind Side recently.. apparently Sandra won the “been liked in the industry for a long time and hasn’t won any award” award rather than “best actress” award.. just an average performance.. wasted a netflix rental on that.
Obviously you will be rooting for Jennifer Lawrence.. because she’s the only one you have watched..
SearchIndia.com Responds:
You write: Will Colin win? How are Jesse’s chances?
Between Colin Firth and Jesse Eisenberg, if we were the committee the Oscar honors would go to Colin Firth in a heartbeat.
Remember, Robert Duvall is also a strong contender for Get Low.
Bet you are hearing of Get Low for the first time. 😉
I did see your review in August.. because I shamelessly stalk your site.
Don’t you mock my filmy knowledge.. I have watched two movies(TS3 and Tangled) from the “Best Animated Feature Film” category. And about to watch the third (HTTYD).
Let me test your Tamil pilim knowledge:
Do you know the significance of this scene..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IaKmfdTF7U
SearchIndia.com Responds:
You write: Let me test your Tamil pilim knowledge:
Since when did we deign to accept challenges from our readers. 😉
Looks like Fighter is going to knock King out. Bale has already taken down Rush.. Wahlberg is said to be the favorite over Colin and Jesse. Sorry about the broken link. That still works for me, but apparently it is IP address specific. I tried to save some time for you.. You can try http://hub.guitarhero.com/soundgarden-song/get_song.php if you want.
SearchIndia.com Responds:
You write: Wahlberg is said to be the favorite over Colin and Jesse.
Alas, the dangers of prediction.
Colin Firth just won the Best Actor Golden Globe. Not a big surprise for us though.
Link still does not work (ACCESS DENIED – INVALID REFERRER).
I am getting the same error now.. that free offer was only valid till yesterday.
Any plans to watch Claire Danes’ performance as Temple Grandin and compare it with SRK’s “My name is Khan”
Some thought Gervais’ hosting was brilliant.. I thought it was ballsy, but not brilliant. You would probably liked the line, “.. and thank you to God for making me an aetheist”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ng99hnxQmoI
SearchIndia.com Responds:
1. You write: Any plans to watch Claire Danes’ performance as Temple Grandin and compare it with SRK’s “My name is Khan”
No HBO now. We were not watching it much (except for occasionally Bill Maher)…so we canceled it. Added to Netflix queue now.
2. Didn’t see Golden Globe live. We were doing a Skype video chat on iPhone (recent update, works very well) and checking the awards online.
3. We might watch I Am Love on NFLX Instant Play in a little while.
The review has provided motivation to skip the desi crud and watch this film instead.
Geoffrey Rush and Christian Bale (perhaps Matt Damon for True Grit) will contend for the supporting actor awards come Oscar season.
BTW are you guys planning to review True Grit?
SearchIndia.com Responds:
1. You write: The review has provided motivation to skip the desi crud and watch this film instead.
Here’s one more reason to see The King’s Speech – Colin Firth just won the Golden Globe for Best Actor.
The King’s Speech has moved into wide release. Must be playing in your area too.
Nice, offbeat theme. Not the ennui inducing love, lust or action.
2. True Grit?
Never watched it. Sorry. Though we saw the trailer too many times.
Howdy SI??
Did you get a chance to watch Aadukalam? It was quite good.
SearchIndia.com Responds:
Howdy, Sweetie!
No, we did not watch any of the Tamil releases this Pongal since we had visitors.
Instead, we went to King’s Speech (Colin Firth won Best Actor award at last night’s Golden Globe function) at a nearby theater.
What’s the news on Punnaku Pandi’s Kaavalan – People are raving about it, People are raging against it, People don’t give a flying f*ck one way or the other?
Punnaku Pandi’s kaavalan suffers from lack of publicity as all the stalins and alagiris have pitted against it.
http://www.kollytalk.com/gossips/actor-vijay-to-join-aiadmk-soon/
However fans are trying hard to promote it, the rest don’t seem to give a flying f*ck about it. Many don’t even know that this movie has released.
SearchIndia.com Responds:
Thanks.
We have a feeling Punnaku Pandi’s foray into politics will be as ‘successful’ as his recent films. 😉
Hey SI, Nice to see the comments section open.
Went and watched The Green Hornet and The King’s Speech.
The former much disappointment and latter a wonderful, awe & classy movie.It was a jaw dropping performance by both Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush. Wouldn’t say much about Helena Bonham-Carter as she has much less screen time.
SearchIndia.com Responds:
Howdy sweetie.
Glad you liked The King’s Speech.
True, Helena Bonham-Carter had significantly smaller screen time compared to Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush but she acquitted herself in those limited moments.
Planning to watch King’s Speech and True Grit this weekend.
Watched Black Swan last weekend. Enjoyed every scene. Even if we wait 1000 years, the Bollywood / Tollywood monkeys cannot make a movie even half as good as this one.
Surprised that you did not watch it.
SearchIndia.com Responds:
You write: Watched Black Swan last weekend. Enjoyed every scene. Even if we wait 1000 years, the Bollywood / Tollywood monkeys cannot make a movie even half as good as this one.
What a coincidence! For the last two days, we’ve been planning to see Black Swan.
Do watch Black Swan. Amazing performance by Natalie Portman.
It was sad knowing it didn’t win in any other category in the golden globes. Did you guys watch 127 hours? There are no screenings of it where i live.
SearchIndia.com Responds:
Will definitely see Black Swan.
No, we didn’t catch 127 Hours.
please sign this petition to have that kali chela #2(aka mohd. afzal) hanged for his role in attacking the indian parliment in 2001.
http://www.hindujagruti.org/activities/campaigns/national/hang-mohd-afzal/
SearchIndia.com Responds:
Have you read this piece in the Hindu Frontline?
just read it,why sometimes democracy fails us.i mean if this guy was in USA he would be executed in less than a month (if he were lucky),indians(not trying to be racist here) need to realize that if it were the other way around,the person would be beheaded in a public square and his head put on display(china would do something far worse than hang him).according to bhagawatam,canto 1,chapter seven:”a person who maintains his exsistense at the cost of others lives deserves to be killed,otherwise he will go down by his own actions”.
srila prabhupada comments “in the state a murder is given the death penalty so that in his next life he will not have to suffer for the sin of killing a man,the king does not incur sin by punishing a murder,an arsonist,a poisoner or one who kidnaps anothers wife”.wish hindustan would take a lesson from that.
SearchIndia.com Responds:
1. You write: just read it,why sometimes democracy fails us. i mean if this guy was in USA he would be executed in less than a month
Nonsense. Totally untrue.
People here (in the U.S.) sit on death-row for long years, sometimes decades.
Here are two stories:
Prisoners’ time spent on death row doubles
Time on Death Row
2. Death penalty is dangerous because of the chance of errors. So many wrongly-convicted people in the U.S. have been freed by the Innocence Project.
im not denying that sometimes,yes there are innocent people,it is unfortunate.what i meant was any major terrorist(say osama or the bozo that shot the arozona congresswoman) would get the death penalty sooner than the cows come home.it sometimes takes a while,depending on who the person killed(presidents are considered more important than desi grocey store clerks).
As you said, we are truly speechless!
Whattta acting!
I felt Geoffrey Rush’s acting a tad better than Colin Firth. They could have shown some scenes with better clarity – like the portions involving his brother, his reasons for madly loving the divorced lady and subsequently getting down from the throne. Felt it was rushed through. But these are very very minor flaws compared to the great stuff that the remaining movie offered.
I did not read your review before as I wanted to watch the movie first before being influenced by your words.
P.S: Btw, I am super anxiously waiting for your take on Black Swan.
SearchIndia.com Responds:
1. You write: They could have shown some scenes with better clarity – like the portions involving his brother, his reasons for madly loving the divorced lady and subsequently getting down from the throne. Felt it was rushed through.
Too much focus on Edward VIII’s love for the divorcee and his abdication would have distracted from the central theme, i.e. Albert’s affliction.
2. You write: I felt Geoffrey Rush’s acting a tad better than Colin Firth.
Both are great talents.
For some reason, Geoffrey Rush reminded us of another extraordinary talent – Christoph Waltz, who won the Oscar last year for Inglorious Basterds.
why did you bounce this post?
SearchIndia.com Responds:
We pushed this post to the top since we wanted to remind y’all that on January 14. 2011 in the above review we’d termed this movie as an Oscar worthy masterpiece.
Guess what, King’s Speech went on to win Best Picture! 🙂
Fantastic movie. Brilliant performances. I saw it once, I had to see it again and I think I will see it a few more times.
It is hard to not compare it with Desi flicks and feel ashamed. I can’t think one actor / director from India who can match up to these standards. 🙁
SearchIndia.com Responds:
Who says our film industry is not making great strides.
The most talked about Bollywood movie now is the soon-to-be-released Salman Khan-Asin film Ready, a remake of the trashy Tamil film Utthamaputhiran, a remake of Telugu Ready. 🙁
Just finished watching King’s Speech.
OMG, this movie did render me speechless. It truly is a gem of a movie. Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush did an absolutely fantastic job.
SearchIndia.com Responds:
Why so long? Didn’t it release in theaters in India earlier?
Richly deserved the Oscars.
Yes, it did release in theaters here but it was taken out very soon. IMO, even Geoffrey Rush should have got an Oscar. His portrayal of Lionel Logue was amazing. Btw, did you see 127 hours? I downloaded both King’s Speech and 127 hours(which I’m going to watch next). Since I had read your review of King’s Speech earlier, I decided to watch it first.
Do watch Minority Report. I think I’ve mentioned this movie earlier. It’s really good. And please do review movies like Pursuit of Happyness, Life of David Gale and Shawshank Redemption.
Your reviews of The Matrix and 7G Rainbow Colony are still pending. Why so long?
SearchIndia.com Responds:
Seen Pursuit of Happyness and Shawshank Redemption. Both are good films.
The Matrix and 7G Rainbow Colony reviews? One of these days. Definitely.