Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Superb drama about overcoming fears is fine for teens.
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The King's Speech
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 66 parent reviews
Parents say the film is a powerful and inspirational story about overcoming fears and the struggles of a historical figure, King George VI, that resonates well with both teens and adults. While it contains some strong language used in a therapeutic context, most agree that it should not be rated R and is appropriate for older children if discussed beforehand.
- inspiring story
- strong language
- appropriate for teens
- teaching perseverance
- historical context
- well-acted
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 127 kid reviews
What's the Story?
In THE KING'S SPEECH, King George VI (Colin Firth), father to Queen Elizabeth II, inherited the British throne in 1936 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 this film'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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the messages in The King's Speech. 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?
How do the characters in The King's Speech demonstrate communication and perseverance? What about integrity and humility? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 26, 2010
- On DVD or streaming : April 19, 2011
- Cast : Colin Firth , Geoffrey Rush , Helena Bonham Carter
- Director : Tom Hooper
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Weinstein Co.
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Communication , Humility , Integrity , Perseverance
- Run time : 111 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some language
- Award : Academy Award
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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