Poster for The King's Speech

The King's Speech (2010) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

The King's Speech tells the story of the man who became King George VI, the father of Queen Elizabeth II. After his brother abdicates, George ('Bertie') reluctantly assumes the throne. Plagued by a dreaded stutter and considered unfit to be king, Bertie engages the help of an unorthodox speech therapist named Lionel Logue. Through a set of unexpected techniques, and as a result of an unlikely friendship, Bertie is able to find his voice and boldly lead the country into war.

Rated R • 2010 • 1h 58m

7.7
5K+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
12+

The story of King George VI and his speech therapist as the King works to overcome his stammer before WWII. The R rating is almost entirely for one scene in which the therapist has the King recite profanity at length as a therapeutic technique — the scene is funny rather than offensive. Otherwise this is a G-rated film in all but name. Entirely appropriate for family viewing.

Cast

Colin Firth
Colin Firth
Geoffrey Rush
Geoffrey Rush
Helena Bonham Carter
Helena Bonham Carter
Guy Pearce
Guy Pearce
Timothy Spall
Timothy Spall
Michael Gambon
Michael Gambon
Jennifer Ehle
Jennifer Ehle
Derek Jacobi
Derek Jacobi
FW
Freya Wilson
Ramona Marquez
Ramona Marquez
Richard Dixon
Richard Dixon
Robert Portal
Robert Portal
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Is The King's Speech appropriate for kids?

The story of King George VI and his speech therapist as the King works to overcome his stammer before WWII. The R rating is almost entirely for one scene in which the therapist has the King recite profanity at length as a therapeutic technique — the scene is funny rather than… Read more — free account

Content severity in The King's Speech

Sex None 0/10
Violence None 0/10
Language Strong 7/10
Substances Moderate 3/10
Themes Strong 5/10

What happens in The King's Speech, moment by moment

  1. 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
  2. 0:30 🍷 Substances 3/10
  3. 0:45 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
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Sex and nudity in The King's Speech

None.

Violence and gore in The King's Speech

None. Brief historical context of WWII and the abdication crisis.

Language in The King's Speech

One extended scene of therapeutic profanity — the King shouts f-words and other obscenities as a speech exercise. This scene alone accounts for the R rating. Otherwise very mild.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The King's Speech

Period smoking depicted — the King's heavy smoking habit and its historical consequences are noted.

Mature themes in The King's Speech

A man's lifelong humiliation and disability, and the courage it takes to lead a nation while vulnerable. The abdication crisis and the weight of reluctant duty. A touching portrait of an unexpected friendship across class lines.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The King's Speech appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The King's Speech is best for ages 12+. It's rated R. The story of King George VI and his speech therapist as the King works to overcome his stammer before WWII. The R rating is almost entirely for one scene in which the therapist has the King recite profanity at length as…

What age rating does The King's Speech have?

The King's Speech is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 12+.

What is The King's Speech about?

The story of King George VI and his speech therapist as the King works to overcome his stammer before WWII. The R rating is almost entirely for one scene in which the therapist has the King recite profanity at length as a therapeutic technique — the scene is funny rather than offensive. Otherwise this is a G-rated…

Is there sex or nudity in The King's Speech?

None.

How violent is The King's Speech?

None. Brief historical context of WWII and the abdication crisis.

Is the language in The King's Speech appropriate for kids?

One extended scene of therapeutic profanity — the King shouts f-words and other obscenities as a speech exercise. This scene alone accounts for the R rating. Otherwise very mild.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The King's Speech?

Period smoking depicted — the King's heavy smoking habit and its historical consequences are noted.

What mature themes appear in The King's Speech?

A man's lifelong humiliation and disability, and the courage it takes to lead a nation while vulnerable. The abdication crisis and the weight of reluctant duty. A touching portrait of an unexpected friendship across class lines.

How long is The King's Speech?

The King's Speech runs 118 minutes, directed by Tom Hooper, released in 2010.

Where can I read the full The King's Speech parent guide?

Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.

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