 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The King's Speech
- Review Date: November 20, 2010
- R
- Genre: Drama
- 2010
Common Sense Media says
Superb drama about overcoming fears is fine for teens.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this engrossing, fact-based drama -- which is rated R primarily for a few scenes of strong language (including one "f"-word-filled outburst) -- has inspiring and empowering messages about triumphing over your fears. An indie about a king who stutters might not seem like typical adolescent fare, but don’t judge a movie by the brief synopsis: Teens will enjoy it as much as the grown-ups will if they give it a chance. In addition to the swearing, there's some social drinking, but that all fades in comparison to the movie's surprisingly moving themes of hope and perseverance. Note: An edited version of the movie that removes/lessens some of the strongest language has been rated PG-13 and released separately.
What's the story?
In 1936, King George VI (Colin Firth), father to Queen Elizabeth II, inherited the British throne after his brother Edward’s controversial abdication to marry divorcee Wallis Simpson. Ultimately, he would lead the United Kingdom through World War II. But even before he ascended the throne, he was a man struggling with a persistent and troubling condition: He stammered. This was a source of deep despair for the soon-to-be king, who was known among friends and family members as Bertie. Despite his wife's (Helena Bonham Carter) best efforts and deep, abiding love, Bertie was stunted by rage and anxiety. But in this film based on true events, the king finally finds an ally in Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), an Australian speech therapist who helps Bertie gain the confidence and will to overcome his fears and let his voice be heard, literally and metaphorically.
Is it any good?
It is a singularly gratifying experience to watch THE KING’S SPEECH's three stars -- Firth, Bonham Carter, and Rush -- do what they do best: act. It's like watching a master class. They disappear into their characters and make them both interesting and understandable. That's not always the case with films about royalty. Often, they're a visual (and unremarkable) summary of what we know from books; here, they fascinate with their trials, triumphs, and, most of all, humanity. And for a movie steeped in a feel-good message -- "You don't need to be afraid of the things you were afraid of when you were 5," intones one man -- it's far from clichéd.
Credit, too, goes to director Tom Hooper and screenwriter David Seidler, who himself conquered a stutter and was inspired by the king. They have created characters so rich that they compel viewers to rush to the Web for some post-viewing research. We know a lot about today's royals, but they don't hold a candle to their predecessors -- or at least to the ones portrayed here. The movie makes history and self-help irresistible. Bottom line? The King's Speech is superb.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the movie's messages. What are viewers meant to take away from watching?
How does the movie portray stuttering and those who suffer from it? Does it seem realistic and believable? How does Bertie's struggle with stuttering affect him?
How did the queen pave the way for the king's success? Are they positive role models? Do you think the movie portrays them accurately? Why might filmmakers change some details in a fact-based story?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
A great movie that isn't boring
I thought this movie was going to be so boring the moment the movie started. I was proved wrong! I loved this movie and Geoffrey Rush acted so well! The movie could be really boring for young kids, but kids nine and older will like it a bit more then 8-. Colin Firth (The Duke of York then to king) doesn't stutter as much when is angry. So, he talks clearly when he swears, and he says a good amount of swear words.
Overall- It should be PG-13 Maybe even PG, Not R.
He just swears throught the movie like bloody etc. mild language
He just goes on a rampage saying f--- bas---- etc.
I reccommend this movie
-Coffeeguy
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AGE
Fantastic movie - not worthy of R rating
Don't let the R rating scare you. This movie is fantastic. Apart from a few brief scenes including intense language (though it is used in the context of the story and not out of vulgarity), this movie is absolutely appropriate for young teens. Although there is a significant amount of profanity used, these scenes are vital to the film's message and are far less worse than what I personally hear every day in school. The messages and highlights in this movie far outweigh the questionable material. PG-13 would have been a more accurate rating. Absolutely a movie worth watching.
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AGE
Shouldn't Have Been Rated R
First off, I think that "The King's Speech" shouldn't be rated R. PG-13 would have been fine, but it's just because of some vulgar language (including the "F-Bomb") that it was given the rating of R.
Aside from that, this movie is absolutely wonderful. All of the characters are so relatable and the acting is superb. I am 14 years old and I saw it, and I think most other kids around my age could see it too. Some of the intense stuff may go over younger kids' heads so I think the youngest age to see it is 13.
Such a wonderful movie, and such a wonderful message!
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AGE
Great drama, completely fine for any teen who has heard someone cuss in their lifetime :D
The reason this is rated R is for the sole purpose of demographical audience. The movie is aimed at adults, and some adults will turn away from a movie if it has a lower MPAA rating, thinking it's a "teens' movie". This is an great historical drama and will definetely lift your spirits. As mentioned before, there's an important scene where the king lets out around 15 cuss words in one little 2 minutes, but it's for the sake of the plot. My MPAA rating: PG-13 for some strong language.
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AGE
I think the 15+ rating of this is way off. There is nothing in this that a child shouldn't see other than one burst of profanity. For the rare child that hasn't heard such things (hard to even walk around the mall without hearing such words), it could be discussed with them beforehand.
Great movie that teaches about humility, accepting help even when you are reluctant, the importance one person can make in someone's life, creativity (i.e. not all solutions are "mainstream"), and redemption. Finally, a film that is worth going to.
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Kid, 12 years old
April 19, 2011
AGE
im 11 and i just saw it, pretty good movie! WHY WAS THIS RATED R?!?!?
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AGE
Ignore the "R" rating
Why this movie is rated "R" is beyond me. This is a PG-13 movie that your 12 year old should be able to see. The "R" is probably due to couple of scenes where the "F" word is repeatedly spoken. But mind you it is not gratuituous cursing. It is used to demonstrate an improtnat point of the movie. The positive messages in this movie far outweigh the fould language concerns. One of the best message movies about perserverance in overcoming personal obstacles. Also a history lesson. Excellent film.
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AGE
Great for all audiences.
This movie is one of the best movies I've ever seen in a theater. It shows positive messages of Lionel Logue helping the King get his voice ready for the speech he must do. A problem is, King Bertie has some disabilities in his speaking. The main reason it was rated R was for a scene where Lionel tries a method of getting Bertie to speak and not stammer, by swearing. Of course, Bertie is only using it to help, not to destruct it. It shouldn't have been rated R just for something as harmless as this. At the end, Lionel helps him out during his speech and they become best friends.
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AGE
R rating undeserved...and a shame
This movie is beyond excellent. My son is two weeks shy of 12 and proclaimed it the best movie he's ever seen. Some context - he doesn't watch any violent movies....in fact he doesn't watch many movies at all and did not grow up with cartoons or other typical kid-television. Not sure how that effects his appraisal of it - but just want you to know we're not dealing with a kid who is jaded by seeing lots of violence and/or swearing and/or sexual situation in any context. Not one moment of boredom from either of us. I wish for more movies like this - easy enough for the kids to understand without endless explanation, yet challenging enough to have wonderful conversations for days.
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Kid, 12 years old
April 12, 2011
AGE
this is probably the most fun I had watching a dramatic movie, the best moments are when he is being taught, priceless. It's a really funny movie, but you could still take it seriously, and the acting is fabulous. You might have a problem with the language usage, but they never use any of it in an aggressive way, it's just a method of teaching, but there are a few uses of "Bloody" in aggressive manners, The main character smokes often, but he stops the habit the more you get into the movie.
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| Studio: | Weinstein Co. |
| Director: | Tom Hooper |
| Cast: | Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 111 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | November 26, 2010 |
| DVD release date: | April 19, 2011 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | some language |
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