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King’s Speech, The
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MPAA Rating: R
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Entertainment: +4
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Content: +2
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Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter, Geoffrey Rush, Guy Pearce, Timothy Spall. Written by David Seidler. Directed by Tom Hooper.
FILM SYNOPSIS: Based on the true story of the Queen of England's father and his remarkable friendship with maverick Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue, Colin Firth stars as King George VI, who unexpectedly became king when his brother Edward abdicated the throne. Academy Award Winner Geoffrey Rush (Shine) stars as Logue, the man who helped the king with a speech impediment and served as a confidant as King George found his nation on the verge of WWII.
PREVIEW REVIEW: I was truly engrossed by this film. Besides the technical and artistic elements all coming together, reminding us of the true special effects (story, dialogue and performance), this English drama is also about something – character. There’s a depth to both script and execution, giving film viewers a striking example of what this medium can deliver. This picture and its participants will no doubt be giving the well-talked-about The Social Network a run for its money come Oscar time.
Now, about its rating. The English use the word “bugger” much the way we do the most infamous of Americanized cuss words. This film uses it frequently. And at one point, Colin Firth’s George utters a stream of invectives, out of frustration, but also in an attempt to relax his tongue. It’s a use of language more so than an abuse as it aids in a battle with his debilitating stutter. Here and in one or two following scenes, the s- and f-words play a part in freeing up his speech.
By now, my steadfast readers know that I oppose the use of foul language in movies, finding verminous verbiage abusive and lacking in creativity. Here, it can be argued that it is a use of language in these two or three scenes, the king resorting to cursing in order to best this depilating ailment. You may see that defense insufficient. Keep in mind, while I gave my opinion, I am also including the warning of its presence. (I also caught one misuse of Christ’s name, made by the worldlier brother, Edward).
Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: The Weinstein Company
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Summary
The following categories contain objective listings of film content which contribute to the subjective numeric Content ratings posted to the left and on the Home page.
Crude Language: None.
Obscene Language: The lead uses a stream of invectives in a couple of scenes, in an effort to get past his halting stutter.
Profanity: I caught one misuse of Christ’s name, made by the more worldly brother, Edward.
Violence: None, but there is film footage of a Hitler rally, suggesting Germany’s world aggression.
Sex: It is implied that Edward and Mrs. Simpson are living together unwed; it is also questioned in the film why they don’t do so in a less open fashion, thereby allowing Edward to assume the throne.
Nudity: None,
Sexual Dialogue/Gesture: None.
Drugs: Everyone smokes, per the custom of the time; some social drinking.
Other: None,
Running Time: 111 minutes
Intended Audience: Teens and Up
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