Overview
A monarch's mind unravels as political intrigue looms over the throne.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Mild
- witty
- tense
- humane
- historical film night
- period drama marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film as a funny, entertaining, and immensely likable stage adaptation elevated by stellar performances, rich period detail, and emotionally charged direction.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
George III’s unpredictable illness threatens both governance and the succession struggle led by the Prince of Wales.
The doctors’ period remedies include ineffectual and near-brutal attempts to discipline the King rather than understand him.
Alan Bennett’s play is transferred to film through formal compositions, royal interiors, and an actor-centered ensemble.
Queen Charlotte and Pitt work to protect the throne while the Prince of Wales and his allies seek political advantage.
Films like The Madness of King George, and why
The Favourite
witty, richly detailed british period drama centered on monarchy, political maneuvering, and a commanding ensemble performance
The King's Speech
acclaimed biographical period drama balancing institutional power, personal vulnerability, and theatrical performances
Amadeus
stage-derived historical drama using dark humor, political intrigue, and intimate character conflict
Elizabeth
ensemble historical drama about royal power, family tensions, and the pressure of public leadership
Movie Details
- Director
- Nicholas Hytner
- Release Date
- 1994-12-28
- Runtime
- 107 min
- Rating
- 6.8 / 10 (276)
Cast
- Nigel Hawthorne
- Helen Mirren
- Ian Holm
- Anthony Calf
- Amanda Donohoe
- Rupert Graves
- Geoffrey Palmer
- Julian Wadham
- John Wood
- Rupert Everett
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Madness of King George about?
- A witty and poignant Georgian court drama follows a monarch’s mental collapse as his family and ministers struggle to preserve both his dignity and the British throne.
- What is The Madness of King George like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Madness of King George as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is The Madness of King George violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in The Madness of King George as mild.
- What did critics think of The Madness of King George?
- Critics broadly praised the film as a funny, entertaining, and immensely likable stage adaptation elevated by stellar performances, rich period detail, and emotionally charged direction.
- Which films are like The Madness of King George?
- Films with a similar feel include The Favourite, The King's Speech, Amadeus, and Elizabeth.
- How long is The Madness of King George?
- The Madness of King George runs 107 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Madness of King George?
- In United States, The Madness of King George is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
