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Poster for The Madness of King George

The Madness of King George

Seen it?

1994 | 107 min | Comedy, Drama, History

Friday Night Flick

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (93% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it won an Oscar. Make plans for this one.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who wants a laugh and history buffs. If you loved House of Gucci or Hotel Mumbai, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Funny with heart.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 47 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Aging King George III of England is exhibiting signs of madness, a problem little understood in 1788. As the monarch alternates between bouts of confusion and near-violent outbursts of temper, his hapless doctors attempt the ineffectual cures of the day. Meanwhile, Queen Charlotte and Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger attempt to prevent the king's political enemies, led by the Prince of Wales, from usurping the throne.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 89 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.8 out of 10

  • AwardsVery strong

    Won 1 Oscar: Academy Awards: Best Art Direction. Won 3 BAFTAs: British Academy Film Awards: Outstanding British Film, British Academy Film Awards: Best Actor in a Leading Role, British Academy Film Awards: Best Make-Up and Hair. Won 1 Cannes award: Cannes Film Festival: Best Actress. Also nominated for 3 more Oscars, 11 more BAFTAs and 1 more Cannes award. Plus 10 other awards.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $15 million worldwide

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 140K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Nicholas Hytner

  • Nigel HawthorneGeorge III
  • Helen MirrenQueen Charlotte
  • Ian HolmWillis
  • Anthony CalfFitzroy
  • Amanda DonohoeLady Pembroke
  • Rupert GravesGreville
  • Geoffrey PalmerWarren
  • Julian WadhamPitt
  • John WoodThurlow
  • Rupert EverettPrince of Wales