Based on a real historical event, the film begins with a radio announcer in England proclaiming that Prince Albert, Duke of York, will speak. This happens at the official closing of the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley Stadium in 1925.

Unfortunately, Prince Albert has a stuttering issue. He feels like he made a fool of himself.

At some point, his wife, Elizabeth, convinces him to get help from someone. She decides to have an Australian-born speech defects therapist, named Lionel Logue, help him. However, Dr. Logue has no medical training.

During their first visit, Dr. Logue and Prince Albert have a lot of disagreements. But Prince Albert will let Dr. Logue call him Bertie to feel more equal. Their first appointment involves reading a quote from a play by Shakespeare.

Later, Bertie encounters his two daughters, Margaret and Elizabeth. They have him tell them a story. He chooses to narrate about him being a penguin. After that, he has the girls go to bed.

While at another meeting with Dr. Logue, Bertie is asked to read something while listening to classical music. But it annoys him, and he refuses to proceed with that activity.

Years later, Bertie’s father, King George V, broadcasts his Royal Christmas message. He tells Bertie that the radio is a big part of the family’s image. He even gets rough with him about it.

When Bertie listens to his recording from Dr. Logue, he is surprised to hear no stammering. He returns to Dr. Logue’s place and continues the sessions together.

Sadly, King George V meets his demise. Bertie breaks down crying at the sight of his dad’s death. Shortly after, his brother, David, becomes King Edward VIII.

Some point later; there is a tough situation. An American woman called Wallis Simpson is interested in King Edward. Unfortunately, as the supreme governor of the Church of England, he is not allowed to marry her since she has been divorced twice. The law forbids it.

Bertie attends an unscheduled session with Dr. Logue. Even though his speech has improved, he ends up stuttering while talking to Dr. Logue. The meeting does not go well.

Dr. Logue tells Bertie that he would make a good king. But Bertie disagrees. He yells at Dr. Logue for several minutes and then quits meeting with him.

When King Edward decides to step down from the throne to marry Wallis, Bertie reciprocates with Dr. Logue. Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin begs Bertie to ascend to the throne. He does and becomes King George VI.

Before the coronation, Bertie visits Dr. Logue’s home and meets his wife. She is shocked to discover how he has turned out thanks to Dr. Logue.

But while preparing for the event, Bertie’s advisors question his practices with Dr. Logue. The archbishop of Canterbury, Cosmo Gordon Lang, points out that Dr. Logue has no formal training. This angers Bertie.

Dr. Logue tries to convince him that at the time he started working, no training was required. But that meeting results badly.

What will happen next?

I had a lot of sympathy for Bertie while watching this movie. I felt sorry that he had a stuttering issue. But I enjoyed seeing how his sessions with Dr. Logue went.

Even though they were minor characters, I admired how sweet Bertie’s relationship was with his daughters.

Regardless of that, though, I found it odd that they did not age as the years went by—nor did any other children in this movie. I understand that budgeting and paying actors is important. But over 10 years went by during the events of the film. The kids should have grown up.

Like with other movies based on true stories, some parts were fictionalized. For example, there is a scene where Bertie is swearing with Dr. Logue. The royals would never have allowed that in real life.

I will also admit that although I felt bad for Bertie, some parts were a little bit confusing. On the bright side, however, the scenes changed at just the right time. The pacing was also quick enough.

One thing about this movie was that the characters were only a little bit distinguishable, even though they were all real people. But that did not detract from the story.

Like with any good film, there were some twists and turns. Note that this movie is rated R for language. However, there are no sex scenes or nudity. But there is smoking.

Overall, I enjoyed The King’s Speech. It was an inspirational tale that is absolutely worth watching.

I give it 4 out of 5 stars.