Movie review about The King’s Speech

Penny

Lately I’ve just watched a movie named The King’s Speech, which is a historical drama directed by Tom Hooper and written by David Seidler. The story is about King George VI who has a stammer problem, and his speech therapist Lionel Logue. Colin Firth plays the King and Geoffrey Rush plays speech therapist. The movie was released in the United Kingdom at the beginning of 2011. It was highly appreciated and received many awards, like the Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay at Oscar and Best Actor at Golden Golbe and so on.

George VI becomes the king after his brother Edward VII abdicates. He have to make a significant speech as the new king on the day the Unite kingdom announces to start war with Germany at the beginning of World War II. The King worries about his stammer all the time. After a few awful speeches in public, everybody thinks he is hopeless, apart from his wife Elizabeth played by Helena Bonham Carter. She find Lionel Logue after a few therapists  fail to cure George’ stammer. George doesn’t trust Lionel at first which starts to change when he hear the tape of his smooth reading recorded by Lionel without telling him. With Lionel’s help, George gets better and better at making speech. They become friends as they work together. Eventually George has a great success in his speech of announcement.

Apart from  the long string of the awards, there are lots of reasons I recommend the film. I didn’t expect that  the plot is attracted unlike other historical movies which are usually boring. You can’t move your eyes from it during the 2 hours of running time. The actors’ acting is fabulous which always grips me. What matters the most for me is that the movie is meaningful because it shows us that nothing is impossible. You just need to keep faith, raise aspiration, reach full potential and you will succeed. I was impressed and inspired deeply. The friendship between the king and the speech therapist is also wonderful. Can you imagine the king treat a member of the public as a important friend and so does Liojnel.

Travel Guide to Canterbury A&P Show in Christchurch

Penny

Before moving to Auckland, I’ve been in Christchurch for 3 years. Christchurch is a wonderful city which is worth visiting. Even thought the serious earthquake happened lately, it can’t reduce its appeal. Beside the attractive landscape, there are lots of great events during a year. One of the most famous events is Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral show.

Christchurch has been holding the annual show every year since 1862. The Canterbury A&P Show is a amazing event to attracts on average 110,000 people. The event comes on around 10 November and lasts for 3 days at Canterbury Agricultural Pack which is located at Curletts Road, Wigram. The show ticket is $25 for adult and $8 for child under 12. You can buy tickets at the entrance of the showground.
It is convenient to get the location which is only about 5 minuets driving from city centre. For most of tourists bus is the first choice. There is a free service of shuttle buses running around the city. You can catch a shuttle to Bus Exchange then exchange to an express bus which runs between Bus Exchange and the Agricultural Pack every 30 minutes during the show days. The ticket is $4. If you are going to drive by yourself, remember the public entrance is Wigram 3, then follow the directional sign to the packing.

Now, let’s see accommodations and restaurants. Christchurch is a tourist city so it is not hard to find a suitable accommodation. Most of the motels are located in city and the main roads around city like Papanui Road. If you need a luxury hotel, Crown Plaza Hotel is a good choice which is located in Victory street opposite the Casino. As for the restaurants, the Lin’s Chinese Restaurant is highly recommended owing to its amazing food and delightful environment, and it is not far from Crown Plaza Hotel.

The weather in Christchurch during the show period is fabulous for you to enjoy outdoor activities. Here is one thing you need to know, although the temperatures in Christchurch is not hot and probably around 20 degrees, you have to watch out the devil sunshine burning your skin, so hats and sunscreen are must-have items.

The main reason I recommend the event is you can directly perceive the agricultural country New Zealand through the show. The exhibits display new ideas and latest technologies of agriculture and pastor.  If you really want to know this country well you are supposed to come to the show. It presents all the best of rural life with music, competitions, attractions and food. You can taste excellent food and wines from top kiwi chefs. The children are excited about the playground and activities. You will be discontented with only 3 days when it finish.