The King's Speech

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The King's Speech

R

2011

1h 58m

History

Drama

Biography

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

94%

Tomatometer

301 Reviews

92%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

England's Prince Albert must ascend the throne as King George VI, but he has a speech impediment. Knowing that the country needs her husband to be able to communicate effectively, Elizabeth hires Lionel Logue, an Australian actor and speech therapist, to help him overcome his stammer. An extraordinary friendship develops between the two men, as Logue uses unconventional means to teach the monarch how to speak with confidence.

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Critics Consensus

Colin Firth gives a masterful performance in The King's Speech, a predictable but stylishly produced and rousing period drama.

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Wendy Ide

The Times (UK)

11/29/2022

Firth strikes a perfect balance between his abrasive traits and the vulnerability that coaxes our empathy.

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Donald Clarke

Irish Times

02/20/2019

Travel without prejudice and you will enjoy a moving, impeccably acted and surprisingly funny slice of comfort food. There are worse ways of starting an unpromising looking year.

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David Gritten

Daily Telegraph (UK)

02/20/2015

4/5

It's an uplifting audience pleaser that also showcases film-making arts and crafts at an exalted level.

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Danilo Castro

Next Best Picture

08/23/2024

7/10

It’s a competently directed film with excellent performances and a premise that one can’t help but be swept up in. “The King’s Speech” is no classic, but it deserves more credit than it’s been given.

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Michael Leader

Den of Geek

05/07/2024

4/5

A polished, well-rounded drama that subtly and artfully crafts its personal themes.

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

08/03/2023

4/4

This is a resonant picture about a complex friendship and personal conviction that’s as touching as it is inspiring, and it does all this without feeling cliché or typical.

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Levi J

@Lev77 Mar 31

Amazing, inspiring film with fabulous acting from Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, AND Helena Bonham Carter, all contributing to a masterpiece in film!

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Ed B.

@EdLee Mar 24

The Kings Speech is one of the best movies about The Royal Family as I believe I’ve ever seen. The Story is well told by actors Colin Firth as King George and Geoffrey Rush as the therapist tasked with helping the King with his speech stammering. Sets and ensemble cast are superb. Nice film that captures Historic Great Britain During WWII.

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Michael G.

@micgriffin12 Jan 27

Incredible performance by Colin Firth. Movie gets you to empathize without overdoing it. A heart warming movie.

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Alec B

@AB1234678 Jan 3

It’s all about Firth and his lead role which is a shame because the real star for me was Geoffrey Rush as Lionel. Occasionally the script led us down an unrealistic "that would never happen" path which always undermines good movies like this. Would I watch it again? Yes, but not for a while.

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Chad A

@RT81674979 Nov 15

A stunning and deeply human narrative, The King’s Speech reminds us that whether king or commoner, we all share the same vulnerabilities. In fact, it is the commoner who helps the king recognize the true weight—and cost—of privilege. The unlikely partnership at the heart of the story, opposite in background yet united in purpose, becomes a powerful force that strengthens democracy against rising tyranny. Their bond not only reshaped a king, but helped shape the course of the 20th century.

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Maria M

@RT25311170 Oct 22

I think this movie is great, though it is a bit annoying at times. For example, it pissed me off when Bertie was mean towards Logue when they first met. Of course the movie has it's good aspects. It describes the United Kingdom history and how messy the royal family's situation was back then. Also, I like how Helena Bonham Carter played the Queen. I liked the scene when Logue's wife walked with her. It was pretty funny. I highly recommend it!

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Tom Hooper

Director

Colin Firth

King George VI

Geoffrey Rush

Lionel Logue

Helena Bonham Carter

Queen Elizabeth

Guy Pearce

King Edward VIII

Timothy Spall

Winston Churchill

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Synopsis

England's Prince Albert must ascend the throne as King George VI, but he has a speech impediment. Knowing that the country needs her husband to be able to communicate effectively, Elizabeth hires Lionel Logue, an Australian actor and speech therapist, to help him overcome his stammer. An extraordinary friendship develops between the two men, as Logue uses unconventional means to teach the monarch how to speak with confidence.

Director: Tom Hooper
Producer: Iain Canning, Emile Sherman, Gareth Unwin
Screenwriter: David Seidler
Distributor: Weinstein Co.
Production Co: Bedlam Pictures, See-Saw Films
Rating: R (Some Language)
Genre: History, Drama, Biography
Original Language: British English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 28, 2011, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 1, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $138.8M
Runtime: 1h 58m

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