The King's Speech

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The King's Speech

R

Released Jan 28, 2011

1h 58m

History

Drama

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Popcornmeter

94%

Tomatometer

302 Reviews

92%

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100,000+ Ratings

England's Prince Albert (Colin Firth) 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 (Helena Bonham Carter) hires Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), 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

Times (UK)

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

Nov 29, 2022

Full Review

Donald Clarke

Irish Times

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.

Feb 20, 2019

Full Review

David Gritten

Daily Telegraph (UK)

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

Rated: 4/5

Feb 20, 2015

Full Review

Danilo Castro

Next Best Picture

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.

Rated: 7/10

Aug 23, 2024

Full Review

Michael Leader

Den of Geek

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

Rated: 4/5

May 7, 2024

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

This is a life-affirming 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.

Rated: 4/4

Aug 3, 2023

Full Review

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Richard M

I’m not a regular viewer of British Dramas, and after noticing the movie got a few Oscar win, I thought it was pure nonsense. Years later I borrowed this from the local library, and 3 weeks after returning it, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Got a Blu-Ray copy as it cost a few cents more to DVD on eBay. It is now one of my top 10 favourite films, next to Braveheart and The Dark Knight. What troubles me is why I like it so much, and I don’t have an issue if someone think it’s boring.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/01/24

Full Review

Savannah G

The strength and confidence that a true friend can give! This story was so warm, and the screen adaptation was so well done from stage to film. The colors, framing, and shapes of the wide angeled lens all that were made also showed the feeling of examination that was done in this film. Well done. Also, the Cast! Colin, Helena, and Geoffery, these three truly were so well played. Helena should have gotten more acclaim for her dictation and her ability to completely take on her character. I would give a 5-star rating if the surrounding cast were stronger, though the main characters lead the movie, the surrounding cast could have been better. Great film!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

10/17/24

Full Review

Johannes S

A very moving film with amazing performances. It beautifully tells the story about King George VI, his family, and his only friend.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

09/03/24

Full Review

Faiz D

A touching and wonderful drama of courage and humanity.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/29/24

Full Review

Alan g

Great movie based on real history. Fabulous acting all around. Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush play very well off each other. A must watch.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/13/24

Full Review

Audience Member

It was OK but the Archbishop of Canterbury was a bit of a pain in the neck. Why was he portrayed as such a whinger?

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

07/20/24

Full Review

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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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The King's Speech: Official Clip - I Can't Speak

2:18

The King's Speech: Official Clip - I'm Not a King

2:02

The King's Speech: Official Clip - Indentured Servitude

2:10

The King's Speech: Official Clip - Kinging Is a Precarious Business

2:03

The King's Speech: Official Clip - You Don't Stammer When You Swear

1:26

The King's Speech: Official Clip - Bordering on Treason

2:06

The King's Speech: Official Clip - Night Cap

2:41

The King's Speech: Official Clip - Simple Mechanics

2:21

The King's Speech: Official Clip - Timing Isn't My Strong Suit

2:21

The King's Speech: Official Clip - Your Own Man

1:11

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Synopsis

England's Prince Albert (Colin Firth) 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 (Helena Bonham Carter) hires Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), 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: See-Saw Films, Bedlam Pictures
Rating: R (Some Language)
Genre: History, Drama
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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