Before this movie came out, I'd convinced myself that I'd fallen in love with the 2006 movie The Queen mainly because of Helen Mirren.  But I realize, with the release of this second well-made film centering on modern Royals, I'm quite comfortable with the Monarchy.  Indeed I'm a Bloody Closet British Royalist. 

If the family were absolute monarchs, I'd resist, but the savvy Brits, by finding a way to preserve the Royal family while allowing democracy to make the decisions of state, have turned a remarkable trick.  I know there's a continual concern about how much this splendor costs, and perhaps their very presence casts an elitist shadow across the entire society, but this traceable bloodline connection to their history must have some value as well.  In the USA we put such pressure on the "First Family" to try to maintain dual roles, and as often as not they fall terribly short.

My favorite part of both of these movies comes when the Royals comment on their lot; they both view their incredible pomp and circumstance without the power of state with rueful irony.

It's an uncompromising movie, certainly one of the best of the year and a likely prizewinner.  For those who are curious about this highly-reviewed film, here's the plot from Moviefone:

After the death of his father King George V (Michael Gambon) and the scandalous abdication of King Edward VIII (Guy Pearce), Bertie (Colin Firth) who has suffered from a debilitating speech impediment all his life, is suddenly crowned King George VI of England. With his country on the brink of war and in desperate need of a leader, his wife, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), the future Queen Mother, arranges for her husband to see an eccentric speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). After a rough start, the two delve into an unorthodox course of treatment and eventually form an unbreakable bond. With the support of Logue, his family, his government and Winston Churchill (Timothy Spall), the King will overcome his stammer and deliver a radio-address that inspires his people and unites them in battle.

Based on the true story of King George VI, 'The King's Speech' follows the Royal Monarch's quest to find his voice.