the plot is pretty old, but really the entire movie is conventional; it's very similar to Good Will Hunting. however, it's executed very well. movies involving interpersonal conflicts between characters are so much more exciting and interesting than good guy/bad guy movies. in addition, there were some artistic choices the director made that really paid off, in my opinion. they were very wise to keep a boundary on the comedy; it has purpose this way, and doesn't seem out of place. geofferey rush definitely made the movie, and I don't mean that to shortchange colin firth or hbc because they were both straight shooters.
the final scene was the best moment, as it should be. it tied everything together, in a discharge of tension: the performances, the defeat of bertie's personal demons, the classical score, the room itself, the dark microphone.
It should be noted that this movie was given the crime of an R rating for swearing. This movie is perfectly fine for teenagers, and the swearing actually has purpose.