Common Sense Media Review
By Tom Cassidy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Historical biopic about British king's mental health.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Madness of King George
What's the Story?
At the start of THE MADNESS OF KING GEORGE, King George III (Nigel Hawthorne) appears eccentric, but his behavior soon turns genuinely erratic. When it becomes clear that he's suffering from a condition that's causing delusions, members of parliament secretly try to have him removed from the throne while his son attempts to take power. Against the conspirators' wishes, radical physician Francis Willis (Ian Holm) treats the king and improves his mental health, instilling in him a better understanding of his condition.
Is It Any Good?
This superb movie is based on an award-winning play by celebrated playwright Alan Bennett, who also wrote the screenplay for this 1994 adaption, directed by Nicholas Hytner. The movie is reportedly historically accurate and honest about the characters, lending it an air of authenticity. The acting is first-class, with heavyweights Hawthorne and Holm's head-to-heads positively crackling. Helen Mirren as Queen Charlotte also gives an emotional performance as a wife who's feeling helpless.
While the dialogue in The Madness of King George is snappy and the movie develops at a good pace, the historical setting and dense, uncompromisingly authentic period language might struggle to engage younger viewers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how mental health is portrayed in The Madness of King George. How was it viewed in the past? Do you think the way we treat and view conditions similar to King George's has improved today?
Do any of the characters treat King George with empathy? Who and why? Why should we show people empathy?
Do politicians always act in the interests of the people who elected them?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 28, 1994
- On DVD or streaming : June 5, 2001
- Cast : Nigel Hawthorne , Helen Mirren , Rupert Graves
- Director : Nicholas Hytner
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Samuel Goldwyn Company
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : History
- Character Strengths : Compassion
- Run time : 110 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic elements
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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