The King's Speech

The story of King George VI of Britain, his impromptu ascension to the throne and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch become worthy of it.

Director: 

Tom Hooper

Writer: 

David Seidler (screenplay)

Stars:

 Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter

One of the most moving films I have seen in a very long time. Colin Firth is brilliant (deserved the Oscar) but more than that, it is the story that stands out. There is this image of arrogant British in our head, a stereotype due to our history with them which this film shakes to the very core. We see the King of the British Empire struggling! The very essence of the film.

I have read history and there has never been a mention of a King George VI of England who used to struggle giving speeches. I remember my teacher talking about Hitler and his speeches that moved the people to the very core, but never this guy.

The standout point of the film is the British monarch conquering his own ego and fear to rise during a scary time in the World (WW2). Geoffrey Rush as the speech therapist is charming while Helena Bonham Carter is just amazing with the supporting wife. The film has its own funny elements- those British quirks and wise-cracks. They actually keep the mood light as the British monarch continues to struggle with his speeches.

All in all, I loved the film. It is moving, funny and for once the British do not seem arrogant. Don't miss out on this delight.

Black Swan

A ballet dancer wins the lead in "Swan Lake" and is perfect for the role of the delicate White Swan - Princess Odette - but slowly loses her mind as she becomes more and more like Odile, the Black Swan.

Director: 

Darren Aronofsky

Writers: 

Mark Heyman (screenplay), Andres Heinz(screenplay).

Stars:

 Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis and Vincent Cassel

OK, so much has already been said about this movie, especially about Natalie's performance. I loved the setting, I mean it is about an actor who gets so engrossed in her performance...and that too ballet! I wish India could have films based on such backdrops, but anyway- I enjoyed the film. I have never noticed Natalie Portman in her previous films but this one must have been a challenging role for her.
To some extent, I found the film a little confusing. Actually, not little but more than that. I still don't know if the mother was real or not. I felt the story incomplete and has certain loop-holes.
I mean, you have an Inception or a Shutter Island on one side (which has the audiences thinking) but this seems an incomplete story. Maybe I need to watch it again but still, you cannot expect people to read films.
But then I guess that is what the Oscar jury loves, a film which makes people think for themselves (I do not understand why). The film is full of symbolism and very artistically made though and one just has to watch it 2-3 times and read a bit about it to understand it. This is the actual focus of the film.
Still, this is not a film to miss out. It has a good plot, Mila Kunis (whom I just love) and some very nice performances.
It still makes me wonder....which Bollywood actress would have carried out the role, none come to my mind.
Enjoy it (if you can), but don't expect to understand it entirely.