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The King's Speech

  • 2010
  • R
  • 1h 58m
IMDb RATING
8.0/10
722K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
2,019
73
Colin Firth in The King's Speech (2010)
A chronicle of King George VI's (Firth) effort to overcome his nervous stammer with the assistance of speech therapist Lionel Logue (Rush).
Play trailer2:11
12 Videos
99+ Photos
Period DramaPolitical DramaBiographyDramaHistory

The story of King George VI, his unexpected ascension to the throne of the British Empire in 1936, and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch overcome his stammer.The story of King George VI, his unexpected ascension to the throne of the British Empire in 1936, and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch overcome his stammer.The story of King George VI, his unexpected ascension to the throne of the British Empire in 1936, and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch overcome his stammer.

  • Director
    • Tom Hooper
  • Writer
    • David Seidler
  • Stars
    • Colin Firth
    • Geoffrey Rush
    • Helena Bonham Carter
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    8.0/10
    722K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    2,019
    73
    • Director
      • Tom Hooper
    • Writer
      • David Seidler
    • Stars
      • Colin Firth
      • Geoffrey Rush
      • Helena Bonham Carter
    • 843User reviews
    • 490Critic reviews
    • 88Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Won 4 Oscars
      • 109 wins & 206 nominations total

    Videos12

    The King's Speech: International Trailer
    Trailer 2:11
    The King's Speech: International Trailer
    The King's Speech
    Trailer 2:28
    The King's Speech
    The King's Speech
    Trailer 2:28
    The King's Speech
    "Bertie"
    Clip 0:47
    "Bertie"
    "Chair"
    Clip 0:44
    "Chair"
    "Enemy"
    Clip 0:48
    "Enemy"
    The King's Speech: Bertie
    Clip 0:48
    The King's Speech: Bertie

    Photos123

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    Top cast68

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    Colin Firth
    Colin Firth
    • King George VI
    Geoffrey Rush
    Geoffrey Rush
    • Lionel Logue
    Helena Bonham Carter
    Helena Bonham Carter
    • Queen Elizabeth
    Derek Jacobi
    Derek Jacobi
    • Archbishop Cosmo Lang
    Robert Portal
    Robert Portal
    • Equerry
    Richard Dixon
    Richard Dixon
    • Private Secretary
    Paul Trussell
    Paul Trussell
    • Chauffeur
    Adrian Scarborough
    Adrian Scarborough
    • BBC Radio Announcer
    Andrew Havill
    Andrew Havill
    • Robert Wood
    Charles Armstrong
    Charles Armstrong
    • BBC Technician
    Roger Hammond
    Roger Hammond
    • Dr. Blandine Bentham
    Calum Gittins
    Calum Gittins
    • Laurie Logue
    Jennifer Ehle
    Jennifer Ehle
    • Myrtle Logue
    Dominic Applewhite
    Dominic Applewhite
    • Valentine Logue
    Ben Wimsett
    • Anthony Logue
    Freya Wilson
    Freya Wilson
    • Princess Elizabeth
    Ramona Marquez
    Ramona Marquez
    • Princess Margaret
    David Bamber
    David Bamber
    • Theatre Director
    • Director
      • Tom Hooper
    • Writer
      • David Seidler
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews843

    8.0721.6K
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    Featured reviews

    10dbogosian-1

    A touching, historical masterpiece

    I rarely rate a movie a "10" but in this case, it is well deserved. Truly, there is no way to improve upon the achievement that this film represents, whether in casting, direction, writing, artistic value, you name it.

    The story gives us a fascinating look into the struggles faced by George VI on his way to becoming king of England. The story line is all about his stuttering, but underneath all that are suppressed memories from childhood, growing up in the shadow of an elder brother, perpetual negative reinforcement from a domineering father, etc. It's a psychoanalytical look at a well-known royal family, and while I can't vouch for its absolute veracity, it gives a rare glimpse into the lives of people we wouldn't otherwise observe at this level of intimacy (much like "Queen" did a few years ago).

    The contrast between George and Edward VIII is most fruitful. It's the clash between duty and hedonism, fulfilling one's personal quest for happiness vs. overcoming one's worst fears on behalf of your people and country. Edward is typically romanticized and lionized, but here we see him as more of a spoiled, selfish lout.

    But the heart of the movie is the relationship between George and Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), who is helping him overcome his speech problems. Both actors are at the absolute top of their form. Firth is brilliant as the aloof, initially reluctant and distrustful monarch, while Rush shows the same wink-of-the-eye humor and irony that he did as Barbossa, relishing the sheer inequality of their positions yet knowing the extent to which George is dependent on him. Ultimately a true friendship develops between the men, and since they are both such endearing characters, it's a joy to watch.

    I should add that Helena Bonham-Carter is also spot-on as the haughty yet practical queen consort. Other more minor roles are effectively played (e.g., Winston Churchill, George V). The entire movie is a perfect blend of history, personal and familial drama, with broader themes of perseverance and overcoming adversity which give it a timeless application.

    Lastly, in this movie's case, the "R" rating is for "Ridiculous." The only potentially offensive material is some over-the-top language (including the F-word) which plays a part in one scene, and is clearly used for comic purpose and with great effect. I unhesitatingly took my 13 year old daughter and (depending on the child) might be okay for even younger ones. Don't let that stop you from seeing this gem.
    10hughman55

    Well, now we know where all the Oscars are going. Or should...

    I could write for hours about this film. I only just heard about it last night at a New Year's Eve party. Saw it today. To use the vernacular, OMG. Director Tom Hooper has a masterpiece on his hands. Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Derek Jacobi, and Timothy Spall as Winston Churchill, all turn in excellent performances. Not to forget Guy Pearce as King Edward who abdicated his throne for an American divorcée. David Seidler's script is brilliant. The story is laid out cleverly. The pace and rhythm are PERFECT.

    I think this is one of the best films ever made. It will tear at your guts. And that is where Collin Firth comes in. Mr. Firth gives one of the most poignant and affective performances ever by a male movie star. Where, inside himself, an actor goes for a performance like this, is beyond my comprehension.

    In the movie, "A Single Man", Colin Firth served notice that he was an actor of depth and subtlety, the surface of which he had only just begun to scratch. Now, he's more than scratched that surface. He's gouged a chasm through it. He plays the tormented, soon to be King of England, George VI, and does so in a way that very early in the movie buries his hooks in you and doesn't let go. I can not ever recall, while watching a film, having to choke back tears for over an hour and a half. The suffering portrayed by Firth as George VI is subtle at times. In your face at others. But painfully present always. When Firth bellows, "I am a King" I nearly lost it in a very quiet, and stunned, theater. If you've already seen this film you know what this refers to.

    As an American I find the concept of a monarchy bewildering. Why is one person more privileged than another just because of the womb he or she sprang from? That being said, I do find the stories of those trapped in this anachronistic time warp fascinating at times. This would be one of those times. This film is the intersection of great personal pain, international upheaval, and a family that is ceremoniously dysfunctional to it's core.

    Above this chaos, confusion, and unrest, rises a weak shell of a man to greatness. Colin Firth is the vessel for that transformation and if he doesn't win an Oscar for this performance it will tarnish the Academy forever in my humble opinion. This is the kind of performance, and film overall, that you leave thinking to yourself that you've just seen the greatest movie ever. Maybe later you'll see another brilliant film and think that "this one" is the best ever, but for now "The King's Speech" has no equal.
    9pauletterich-la

    King Colin

    After seeing "Apartment Zero" and being bowled over again by his amazing performance as the Argentinean pretending to be British, I felt the urge to see "The King's Speech" again - So glad I did. It was very moving to see Adrian Leduc being George VI. What an astonishing actor. In Apartment Zero he creates a character without a personality. A repressed, innocent that comes out as a total weirdo but we know better. His undeclared needs reflected in Colin Firth's eyes are a prodigious acting feast. In The King's Speech, his George VI suffers from a different fear but it's also pungently clear in the actor's eyes. I think what they both share is a desperate wish to be invisible. For King George that's an impossibility so, his struggle to move forward, learning to be the man everyone expects him to be is enormously moving. As you may have guessed, Colin Firth has become one of my favorite actors of all time.
    10Colinrocks

    Superb drama of courage and humanity

    I think I must have seen a different film from the previous two reviewers at Leeds on Friday. It is now two days ago and I am still feeling overwhelmed by what I saw. It is a very touching, and quite inspiring story about a man, psychologically scarred, and trapped in a situation from which he could have no escape and facing it with immense courage. It so happens that he was royal, and that was a large part of his problem- but the film isn't so much about royalty as a human story. The film conveyed very powerfully in the opening scene, the enormity of what was required of him. As the film develops, the complexities of the character are revealed. The acting is superb, especially from the three principals, and the development of the troubled and sparky relationship at the heart of the film is a joy to watch. The film is very funny and the characters have warmth and humanity. The film is well paced, and carries you along to the emotional climax, so that, even though I knew the story, it had me holding my breath. If you don't need lots of action or special effects in your film, and enjoy seeing top-notch actors at the very peak of their craft, this will be for you. You might also, as I did, gain a bit more insight into the human drama behind a significant, but relatively unexplored period of British history.

    If CF and GR both win Oscars they will be more than worthy winners and if they don't then "best" has no meaning.

    One further thought- anyone who thinks that this film is unsuitable for teenage viewers needs to have a long hard look at their priorities. It could prove inspirational to anyone with communication difficulties.
    8Samiam3

    The King says a mouthful

    There were a lot of elderly folks in the theatre when I saw The King's Speech. It occurred to me that some of them may have been alive when George VI gave the actual speech to the British Nation which had just declared war with Hitler.

    The King's Speech is a feel good movie, but a very adult one, and while it tells a good story, well scripted, absorbing and believable (except for an odd line or two), Tom Hooper's film is far more driven by character than by plot.

    You may need to see it to believe it but, Colin Firth has no obvious competition for the best actor awards which are coming his way. He is absorbed in the role of the stammering king who is timid, low in self-confidence, and frustrated but perfectly warm-hearted. The only time he doesn't stammer is oddly enough when he curses. This is something which his new speech therapist suggests he use as a practise tool in the one scene which earned the film an R rating. The King's Speech is arguably a proud moment for Geoffrey Rush as well. This is him at his best, and he and Firth together almost make the movie. Their exchange of dialogue is flawless.

    The King's Speech boasts an exceptional cast, which includes Helena Bonham Carter, Michael Gambon, Derek Jacobi and Guy Pearce, all of whom help contribute to the picture with the smallest amount of screen time.

    The King's Speech says a mouthful, and it warms the heart without question. There is also no question is arguing that it is among the very best of the year.

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    Storyline

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    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Nine weeks before filming began, Lionel Logue's grandson, Mark Logue, discovered a large box in his attic that contained his grandfather's personal papers. The box held Lionel Logue's diary, his appointment book, notes from his speech therapy sessions with King George VI, and over 100 personal letters to Logue from the King. It also contained what is believed to be the actual copy of the speech used by George VI in his 1939 radio broadcast announcing the declaration of war with Germany. Mark Logue turned his grandfather's papers, letters, and diary over to director Tom Hooper and screenwriter David Seidler, who used them to flesh out the relationship between Logue and the King. Geoffrey Rush and Colin Firth also read through the material for insight into their characters. The exchange in this movie between Logue and King George VI following his radio speech ("You still stammered on the 'W'." / "Well, I had to throw in a few so they knew it was me.") was taken directly from Logue's diary. Firth insisted that it should be included in the movie.
    • Goofs
      In the final speech, King George VI has one blue eye and one brown eye. Colin Firth had lost a contact lens.
    • Quotes

      King George VI: All that... work... down the drain. My own... b... brother, I couldn't say a single w-word to him in reply.

      Lionel Logue: Why do you stammer so much more with David than you ever do with me?

      King George VI: 'Cos you're b... bloody well paid to listen.

      Lionel Logue: Bertie, I'm not a geisha girl.

      King George VI: Stop trying to be so bloody clever.

      Lionel Logue: What is it about David that stops you speaking?

      King George VI: What is it about you that bloody well makes you want to go on about it the whole bloody time?

      Lionel Logue: Vulgar, but fluent; you don't stammer when you swear.

      King George VI: Oh, bugger off!

      Lionel Logue: Is that the best you can do?

      King George VI: [like an elocution lesson] Well... bloody bugger to you, you beastly bastard.

      Lionel Logue: Oh, a public school prig could do better than that.

      King George VI: Shit. Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit, shit!

      Lionel Logue: Yes!

      King George VI: Shit!

      Lionel Logue: Defecation flows trippingly from the tongue!

      King George VI: Because I'm angry!

      Lionel Logue: Do you know the f-word?

      King George VI: F... f... fornication?

      Lionel Logue: Oh, Bertie.

      King George VI: Fuck. Fuck! Fuck, fuck, fuck and fuck! Fuck, fuck and bugger! Bugger, bugger, buggerty buggerty buggerty, fuck, fuck, arse!

      Lionel Logue: Yes...

      King George VI: Balls, balls...

      Lionel Logue: ...you see, not a hesitation!

      King George VI: ...fuckity, shit, shit, fuck and willy. Willy, shit and fuck and... tits.

    • Crazy credits
      In the end credit roll, Philip Clements is listed twice as Assistant Sound Editor.
    • Connections
      Featured in Breakfast: Episode dated 22 October 2010 (2010)
    • Soundtracks
      Le nozze di Figaro Overture
      Written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

      [During the first therapy session when King's voice is being recorded]

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    FAQ20

    • How long is The King's Speech?Powered by Alexa
    • Just what time frame are we talking about here?
    • What causes Bertie's stammer?
    • Why couldn't King Edward marry Wallis Simpson?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • December 25, 2010 (United States)
    • Countries of origin
      • United States
      • United Kingdom
    • Official site
      • Official Site
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • El Discurso del Rey
    • Filming locations
      • Elland Road Football Stadium, Elland Road, Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, UK(as Wembley Stadium at start of film)
    • Production companies
      • See-Saw Films
      • The Weinstein Company
      • UK Film Council
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $15,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $138,797,449
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $355,450
      • Nov 28, 2010
    • Gross worldwide
      • $471,155,448
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 58 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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