Darkest Hour | Winston Churchill and King George VI Consider a Peace Deal

Winston Churchill (Gary Oldman) is unsure if Britain should stay in the war and is considering peace since the Allies are currently losing to the Germans. King George VI (Ben Mendelsohn) hears of Churchill’s concerns and visits him to give him his support.
Film Synopsis:
Academy Award® nominee Gary Oldman gives a "towering performance" (Richard Lawson, Vanity Fair) in acclaimed director Joe Wright's soaring drama Darkest Hour. As Hitler's forces storm across the European landscape and close in on the United Kingdom, Winston Churchill (Oldman) is elected the new Prime Minister. With his party questioning his every move, and King George VI (Ben Mendelsohn) skeptical of his new political leader, it is up to Churchill to lead his nation and protect them from the most dangerous threat ever seen. Also starring Academy Award® nominee Kristin Scott Thomas and Lily James, Darkest Hour is a powerful, inspirational drama.
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[@Kevin-mx1vi]

Brilliantly constructed scene. Notice there's only one light bulb in shot until the king declares his support for Churchill, then it is reflected in the mirror so there are two lights in the darkness. Love the symbolism.

[@davidw.2791]

And light bulbs are still fra-gi-lay things nevertheless!

[@deepzepp4176]

Shame the film was frankly, just silly.

[@cerneysmallengines]

never noticed that

[@Whatever611]

@@deepzepp4176 shame you have no taste

[@deepzepp4176]

@@Whatever611 Same to you.

[@inigobantok1579]

Not only a perfect portrayal, Ben Mendelssohn is the closest actor to actually look like King George VI

[@icyprincey]

Fact. While Colin’s portrayal of the George VI in The King’s Speech is the best imo, he doesn’t look like him at all.

[@TheArrowedKnee]

@@icyprincey Yeah Colin absolutely nailed his speech, and mannerisms, but 100% agree that Mendelssohn looks a lot more like him.

[@veramae4098]

Mendelssohn hesitates slightly in his speech once in a while; to me it seems as if he's controlling his stutter. If so, brilliant move by the actor.

[@Jonesyb90]

Ben is absolutely incredible, he is such an underrated actor. To the above comments about looks, completely agree Ben looks more like King George, but it was requested that in the Kings Speech the actor who portrayed The King had to be British, ideally English.

[@dynamo1796]

Ben Mendelssohn is a true acting talent. He was an amazing baddie in Rouge One - truly carried that film lol.

[@him1993228]

Imagine you are a lone knight, and a king put a hand on your shoulder and say "You have my support "

[@juliangrant9718]

Holy crap, Ben Mendelssohn looks like King George. You don't realise how much someone is a great fit until they're cast. This has gotta be the first good guy he's played in 20 years.

[@nancyjanzen5676]

I was thinking that too. He really looks like King George VI.

[@rubberducky4074]

He’s definitely got the slim face which Colin Firth and the guy from the Crown didn’t have.

[@juliangrant9718]

@@rubberducky4074 the house of Windsor have iconic weak chins. Colin Firth had way too much face. Too solid a jawline. Ben has the face of a Royal.

[@UlmerCubingandMore]

Its the chin and the nose i think. Especially in the shadows you'd think its actually him

[@j_edwards6075]

Most older Aussie men look like this lol. They all characteristically have big ears/ big noses and weak jaws. Prince/ King Charles reminds me of many older men I see here in Australia. Might have something to do with their lineage/ genetics and the fact that their parents and grandparents originally hailed from England.

[@chrisduffy3880]

The entire Establishment around the King painted Churchill as a washed up quack. But The King admired Churchill's tenacious independence, and Churchill adapted George's methodology and tact to see through his plans. From its' awkward start, the relationship grew into the strongest partnership between Sovereign and Statesman in the history of Great Britain.

[@WilliamJohnson-ic4hq]

@@kathrynswynford God saved this King to save England.

[@melissakrauss1266]

The chemistry between the two actors was brilliant. I was in awe of the confidence that King George VI had in Churchill, and the way that they sat together companionably like close friends. Even at the end when Churchill cracked a joke, and the way that King George VI responded. That was a relationship that they both can depend on. I envy that.

[@karlheinzvonkroemann2217]

He was the second string King anyway. Edward the VIII would never have had a war.

[@melissakrauss1266]

@@karlheinzvonkroemann2217 Maybe it's because Edward VIII wanted Hitler?

[@anthonyfuqua6988]

And he was really friends with Halifax but supported Churchill when he needed it most.

[@stevenpilling5318]

What a great man was George VI. History has not given him his due.

[@stevenpilling5318]

@@dlmdee Whatever, Dilemma!

[@TheRynator14]

@@dlmdee Go figure the tin foil conspiracy theorist would support the fascist King who would have sold this country to hitler. Why don't you just crawl back to the daily wire channel with your likeminded kin?

[@007ndc]

His daughter Queen Elizabeth (RIP) profited from his tutelage and example. A great and underrated historical figure. A normal man inserted into a position he didn't want or need but yet he rose to the challenge

[@N3wb123]

@@dlmdee u on about the nazi supporter right?

[@RazzlyCrunch]

@@dlmdee sounds like a lot of baloney my guy

[@envitech02]

King George VI was a wise King. Usually it's the Prime Minister who advised the King. Here it's the other way around. The King must support the Prime Minister in the country's hour of need.

[@jernbek1]

It’s a two way street. Her Late Majesty advised many a Prime Minister during her reign. Especially as the years went on and her experience reached many decades. I’m told the monarch expresses opinions LC recommendations, and advice to the PM during their weekly meetings.

[@sultankebab1587]

@@jernbek1 Its obviously not her fault but the last prime ministers werent really shining to be honest. I mean just imagine how frustrating it was to the Queen to work with someone like Boris Johnson while she also worked with Churchill.

[@kirotheavenger60]

@@sultankebab1587 I wonder what the late queen felt about the changing nature of politics/politicians.

[@harveyhams1572]

King George had one thing going for him. He didn't have the huge ego that caused the downfall of so many. He knew he needed people.

[@Inchaos42]

It is strange to realise that politics is a family business for Royal family

[@chriswalford9228]

My Grandad met Churchill ,The King and the queen . Churchill called him out from the back of a 10 deep crowd as he spotted his HMS Exeter hat band. The daily Mirror Feb 24 1940 . My Grandad Albert Walford RN true hero from Battle of the river Plate .

[@jamiestewart48]

Holy shit, that was one hell of a battle your Grandad was in! He must have been a fine man. The Exeter took at least seven 283 mm shells and kept going like the boss she was!

[@chriswalford9228]

@@jamiestewart48 Yes he was a fine man . He'd been in the navy 23 years up until the start of ww2. He was trying to put a fire out with the commander when a shell burst in front of them killing a stoker and he himself lost an eye. Spent time in Falklands hospital and then in Montevideo where he was visited by Lady Effingham Drake who gave him a silver teapot to bring back for my Gran as she was 40 while he was away . When he got back he was missed joining the crews for the parade of the 3 ships companies in London hence standing with the crowd. There was a draw for some sailors to have lunch in the London Guildhall which he also missed but after he met Churchill the King and Queen Lady Astor took him to her Mayfair mansion and he had lunch with her. What a story.

[@Legio__X]

“If it isn’t him it’s a marvelous impersonation” British humor at its best lol

[@davidcunningham8699]

*humour

[@michelmendoza1769]

At King George VI’s funeral Churchill laid a wreath with a garland saying “For Bravery” and he was the Man who wasn’t going to be King who displayed remarkable courage and resolve German Bombs fell on Buckingham Palace during the blitz. Speech impediment, extreme shyness and a quiet manner but in the darkest hour he stood like a Giant

[@patryot5668]

and that is what we in history biz...call DESTINY

[@tonyves]

Absolutely. A shy man called on and stood up to his destiny. More impressive than those well equipped for such a part.

[@legendarymermaid]

What I like about this is that when learning about WWII in school, we never talked about King George VI. We only ever talked about Winston Churchill and his part in leading the country through the war. So it was nice to see some light shed on the king.

[@lucyhardy-styles-shield2728]

The King stayed in London during the whole war. When the Queen Mother was told to leave the country with the Princesses, she famously said "the children will not go without their mother, I will not leave without the King and the King will never abandon his people" even when Buckingham Palace was bombed, they stayed put in the Palace. I admire the Queen Mum when she said "now I can look the East End in the eyes"

[@bonkerslez91]

Our greatest ever king he led his people through their darkest hour with such honour and determination

[@ObiePaddles]

It’s easy to forget the stabilising impact of the constitutional monarchy over the years. And the connection of Queen Elizabeth II to the war had an impact on her reign. Britain and the whole world was lucky we had that Prime Minister and that King at that time.

[@lovecraftianwalrus4490]

@@bonkerslez91I don’t think he was our greatest King, (that title would have to go to Alfred the Great), but I do think he was the greatest modern king and definitely among the top 3 non Anglo Saxon we’ve ever had. Only outdone by Henry Curtmantle and Henry V.

[@Stand663]

They never teach real history in school. There is a lot of lefty teachers who teach anti British stuff. I actually learnt real history only after I left school.

[@glrider100]

Watching Gary Oldman and Ben Mendelsohn work together, just a pleasure. A real treat.

[@iamshredder3587]

Yeah I never remember his name, Ben uh Mendlesohn (I can barely remember it now between reading your comment and writing this haha. Always been bad with names though. But great with faces and every little detail about people I ever met or seen even briefly, and my thoughts and opinions of them.) But always though him a talented actor who's been in the scene like forever and done such a range of roles. Australian and other. He also looks and has mannerism of one of my long time aussie friends brother and brothers friend to a striking similarity. Who was always a wild crazy sob too lol, who had the craziest evil looking green eyes I ever did see too haha, possibly only with the exception of those of that guy I see in the mirror. :)) But yeah and he doesn't seem to get alot of of praise or recognition for it, or maybe doesn't want or take it idk. (Which is good, I'd respect, as I hate all the celebrity worship and praise heaped on freaking entertainers these days and hate how they come out lecturing us on real world matters like they're some sort of authority it but anyway)

[@jamiecochrane9710]

Ben's portrayl of King george VI in this film is seriously underrated

[@jinosleiman8263]

Many don't realise the vital role the King & his Queen played in keeping up the morale of the British people during WWII. Ben Mendelsohn was able to demonstrate, beautifully, the King's resolve to stay & meet the challenges of that period & in so doing provided a good example and the importance of having a sense of duty, to his daughter which she espouse when she became Queen later on. We must never forget that we are, mostly, the product of our upbringing.

[@stacyhamilton2619]

Do you know him well enough to call him Ben, Jamie?

[@lucasgssilveira]

He used to speak much slower and with a different inflection, apart from that the portrayl is quite good indeed.

[@justinp5661]

Agreed. I feel he did the role way more justice than Colin Firth.

[@propellhatt]

Not a hint of stammar though

[@woodrobin]

King George just said "Balls to the wall, Winston! I've got your back!" in the most understated, British way possible (translation service provided for those of us raised speaking American 🙂 ).

[@nickbarton3191]

Balls to the wall, Brits are the best. Time we revitalised the bulldog spirit, not the racist right-wing rot we see in the Tory party, but true grit to get the country out of the gutter.

[@kake1604]

There are more English speakers in the US and India than there is in all of the UK.

[@ltdowney]

@@kake1604 Kinda missed the point, but yeah, this is technically true 🤷‍♂️

[@kake1604]

@@ltdowney I didn’t. I’m not a fan of language purists.

[@larrylindgren215]

It’s no wonder why Elizabeth was such a great and noble queen her father was a great and noble king. RIP your Majesty‘s 🇬🇧

[@TheCasualJacobite]

German geordies

[@Piqueblinders11]

The bootlicking of the royal family is the reason the indigenous Britons have been kept down for so long and the situation we’re in now. They colonised and us indigenous get all the blame.

[@mikeandrews8100]

George VI is an underrated king, taking a back seat to Churchill. He was a good, kind man.

[@lucyhardy-styles-shield2728]

A kind man, a good friend to his PM, a beloved King and a clearly doting father. A King who wasn't meant to be King, but was a great king in his own right and the father to a wonderful queen as well

[@bonkerslez91]

@@lucyhardy-styles-shield2728 to me he’s our greatest ever king to lead his people through the toughest times the way he did was incredible

[@lucyhardy-styles-shield2728]

@@bonkerslez91 his daughter was an amazing queen and I hope his grandson can do a decent job as well

[@johnkirk1772]

@@bonkerslez91 I don't particularly like monarchies..but here was a man never meant to be monarch and with none of the training to be one who nevertheless rose to the occasion and a momentous occasion it was - with a speech impediment, with his powers and place in Britain questioned from the beginning, he showed an immense resolve and courage in the face of adversity - he truly embodied British willingness to bear the unbearable, bravery and resistance.. he was the king Britain needed at the time

[@bonkerslez91]

@@johnkirk1772even when Buckingham palace was bombed he refused to abandon his people to me that’s a king

[@michaelray4033]

I love seeing Ben Mendelsohn as a good guy.

[@erihor86]

I do too. He was great in The Outsider.

[@vb8428]

@@erihor86 Loved that show but I wouldn't have remembered it without reading your comment.

[@casbot71]

Back in his Australian career, he was often the "hero" of the film.

[@boxedlife789]

@@casbot71 he was always the bad boy or the nerd from what i remember

[@anne-louiseluccarini4530]

@@boxedlife789 Not much choice for actors in Australia at that time.

[@Thefoilingguy]

I heard that at D Day, Winston wanted to be in the thick of it, the King had to intervene to stop him, if he wanted to go then the King would be by his side. Churchill knew the UK couldn’t afford to loose two of its leaders so he backed down. What a sight that would have been for the men though, Churchill and the king by their sides. They were two of our greatest leaders, men of integrity.

[@ottersirotten4290]

wow, sounds like something that totally happened and isnt just some made up story to sound bad a***

[@t.wcharles2171]

Winston was an old soldier. He had fought in Sudan and in the trenches.

[@vodeankandosii3982]

And if theyd known how the world and the UK in particular would turn out, none of those men would have fought.

[@jackspry9736]

RIP Sir Winston Churchill (November 30, 1874 - January 24, 1965), aged 90 And RIP King George VI (December 14, 1895 - February 6, 1952), aged 56 You both will always be remembered as legends.

[@johnmoroney5258]

Both Sagittarius

[@arseface2k934]

absolutely bonkers to think that the Queen's first PM was born in 1874, and the last in 1975. a full century between Churchill and Truss.

[@Red1Green2Blue3]

@@arseface2k934 Not really bonkers, it's pretty usual for people to live 80+ years these days. It's expected that there'd be such an overlap.

[@arseface2k934]

@@Red1Green2Blue3 well if the numbers don't impress you, then simply going from Churchill to truss should be enough to depress you

[@Red1Green2Blue3]

​@@arseface2k934 I mean someone that is 20 years old today could conceivably know someone born in 1945 and will, in 23 years know someone born in 2045 and only be 43. But yes, Truss and Johnson are an embarrassment.

[@ShingenNolaan]

That is the point of having a King. Exactly that is the goddamn point.

[@AmericanVoyages]

Indeed. Sometimes you have to slow down and let someone apolitical, with a deep love of country, remind the elected official of both their duties to the people.

[@negativezero3107]

@@AmericanVoyages Well not just that, he was on an island alone, and the KING himself brings a life boat, and mind you the King then still had quite a lot of power, is why Winston perks up, he now has the backing he needs.

[@RileyWritey]

@@negativezero3107 He had the same power our current monarchy does. All that's changed since the war is the way we perceive them and how much they engage with the public.

[@thebighurt2495]

A Firgurehead Monarch still has tremendous political capital via the affection and support of the people.If the Monarch says something, they listen. As Social Media like Twitter and Reddit demonstrates today, getting enough of the masses behind something can turn the tide of support.

[@outtakontroll3334]

if all kings were worthy, yes.

[@StimParavane]

"Truth, unvarnished" - this is a great line and so true.

[@RedWarrior081]

Ben Mendelsohn looks like King George VI himself

[@farmerned6]

"The children will not leave unless I do. I shall not leave unless their father does, and the King will not leave the country in any circumstances, whatever"

[@anne-louiseluccarini4530]

And they didn't leave London for safety, after Buckingham Place was hit. She said that she was relieved that now she could look the East Enders in the face. Every day, the King and Queen used to go out and walk through the rubble from the night before, and talk to people.

[@panathatube]

I know, never say never, but i insist: Gary Oldman's Churchill and Bruno Ganz's Hitler will never be bested.

[@Imustscream]

This displays what I love about film. I know the history and I know a lot about these two people from reading and past records but seeing highly skilled people portray them brings a humanity to them that all the recording, books and documentaries can't get across. No visual spectacle can deliver the humanity in these sorts of scenes and is why I feel drama is so important to a civilization's culture.

[@Fornax70]

This is the value of a King (or Queen) to a nation.

[@thebighurt2495]

The King of Norway was a huge boost in this time period. Dude spent copious amounts of time lamblasting the Collaborator government as being a "fake government" and officially endorsing the Resistance. It was a morale boost for the Resistance and a thorn in Quisling's authority, since it made the common people question and balk at *every* thing he did.

[@jamesthejoker7415]

🇬🇧👑🫡

[@Artsloverinlr]

WONDERFUL scene. Such terrific acting. A great portrayal of friendship. Thanks for posting. Foster Lee

[@forestmcneir3325]

God save the King!!! How fortunate of Britain and the rest of the world that George VI was King and not Edward VIII!

[@davidlloyd2583]

So true.... Fate.

[@tomhaskett5161]

Edward VIII was shipped off to the West Indies because it was feared that he could be a puppet leader if Hitler had invaded,

[@RedWarrior081]

@@tomhaskett5161 good thing that the Royal Family wasn't whisked to Canada because he believed that Great Britain had a fighting chance against Nazi Germany after they stood alone against their tyranny during the early parts of the Second World War.

[@nickbarton3191]

true

[@johnharris6655]

If Edward does not Abdicate, there is no Queen Elizabeth.

[@cwp0]

To the doubters out there, and those who struggle with coping with their own existence, just think about the weight of carrying a nation on your shoulders as Churchill did, he is the greatest Englishman!

[@inspector_7152]

Oldman's Oscar for this movie was long overdue. He should have gotten half a dozen by now in my opinion. He's a brilliant actor. Few come close.

[@chuckselvage3157]

Agreed.Oldman is up there with the best no problem.

[@bbb8182]

Maybe my favorite movie scene ever. It exceeds what I thought possible for acting. It also makes me admire the incredible courage of the King. What a hero!

[@lauraclaire]

And with that a friendship blossomed. Two men who were misunderstood till after that war.

[@derjaeger3321]

Churchill is one of my 5 top leaders of the 20th century. Without him Britain may have folded. This is a great movie, with a great script and excellent cast.

[@egosumhomovespertilionem2022]

Without Winston Churchill as PM, the War Cabinet would have entered into negotiations with Hitler, using Mussolini as an interlocutor, in 1940. The will of the British people to resist, along with the crucial support of the Commonwealth countries -- Canada, Australia, New Zealand, chief among them -- would have been lost. The Empire countries like India would not have provided the two million-plus troops in the east to oppose the Japanese when they entered the larger war in 1941. The Empire would have collapsed, as an "every man for himself" mentality prevailed. No meaningful American aid would have been forthcoming from the Roosevelt Administration, and when Hitler inevitably broke his agreement with HM Government, Britain would well and truly have been alone without the leadership and will to fight on. Without British troops and leadership, and without the island itself serving as an unsinkable aircraft carrier, American military intervention in North Africa or western Europe would have been close to impossible in the 1940s. Without American "lend-lease" and Allied diversions in North Africa and Italy, there is a better than even chance the Wehrmacht might have outright defeated the Soviet Union in 1942-43, or at least forced a stalemate on the eastern front. Japan would have had a free hand in the British and European colonies in East Asia and the southwest Pacific. The United States would have been ideologically, economically and geographically isolated, and fascist sympathizers in South America would have been emboldened. The world would have been a much nastier, uglier and darker place. The consequences for European Jews, the Chinese, the Poles, the Koreans and many others would have been apocalyptic. Indian democracy would have been stillborn, with fascist sympathizers taking over from the British colonial administration. Humanity would be far worse off in ways we cannot even imagine in 2022.

[@derjaeger3321]

@@egosumhomovespertilionem2022 Precicely, also remember, there was a sizable portion of the upper class in Britain with close relations to Germany, and viewed Communists as a greater threat than the Nazis. The Royal family was of German descent, as was some of the Gentry. Churchill and his obstinacy gave heart to the British people and it helped saved Britain. Who knows what would have happened if Britain folded? But it would have most likely been a very different world.

[@arseface2k934]

@@derjaeger3321 King Edward was a big nazi sympathiser, who knows what would've happened if he had stayed on the throne

[@daniellee2343]

Churchill destroyed Britain with his unnecessary war with Germany. Over 400,000 dead young men, millions more wounded which led to mass immigration and the cultural/racial tensions today as Britons are made into a second class citizenry.

[@arseface2k934]

@@daniellee2343 unnecessary? if you think Britons are second-class citizens today, you don't want to imagine what it would be like in a nazi world. what was unnecessary was our involvement in WW1, there was plenty of opportunities for good relations between Britain and Germany in the decades leading up to war, but neither side took the extra step.

[@GEOFF0906]

"Tell them the truth, unvarnished..." We could certainly do with that today.

[@ge2623]

Not when they're all liars now.

[@BuckDanny2314]

People forget how brave and important King George VI was during WW2. He could have left England to protect himself and his family, but he didn't. He remained faithful to his crown and people and he stayed where he was. He was a model of courage for all the British, nay, for all who suffered under, or because of, the Nazis.

[@TheCasualJacobite]

Brave ?😂 sitting in his bunker. Shit comment

[@Conzdunchad]

Again a reason why a nation needs its king and it’s prime minister. When one falters the other can raise them up.

[@alexm7627]

You reminded me of a verse from the bible stating this very truth

[@RedStarRogue]

The scene at the beginning with the secretary which the clip cuts the first half of is a great example of less is more. Churchill finds out that her brother died in battle retreating to Dunkirk and a sense of shock and sorrow falls on him, realizing decisions hes making are affecting people close to him. He looks at her as she gets wet eyes and she asks him "what?" to which he says "I'm just...looking at you." They take a moment of silence before she asks to read back what they have and they return to work. Fantastic writing and acting from the cast and crew involved.

[@Afalstein]

I think it is important to understand that Winston always always ALWAYS went in favor of war--not just in WWII, but in WWI and in many other situations. He was commonly seen as a warhawk, someone hungering for glory, and his rhetoric encouraged that, with talks of fighting until everyone was dead and the value of a nation "going down" fighting. For many WWII seemed no more consequential or righteous than WWI (even though Hitler's rhetoric was widely known), and Churchill a dangerous warmonger. But this movie focuses on a moment taken from the war cabinet's minutes which indicates that Churchill did, at one point, consider suing for peace on reasonable terms. If true, it speaks to the immense pressure Churchill was under and how incredibly hopeless the situation seemed.

[@alfredthegreat9543]

And it was these traits that made him the right man, in the right place, at the right time.

[@jtgd]

Yeah. Britain was truly alone until Barbarossa.

[@JB-yb4wn]

@@jtgd Yeah, like they didn't have the backing of the entire empire behind them, oh no, we Canadians didn't send pilots, planes or convoys to the UK, oh shit no. Likewise the Australians did nothing or the millions of soldiers in the Indian army, truly alone, FFS read a history book.

[@dappert4730]

@@JB-yb4wn I get what you mean, but I think what is trying to be said when saying “Britain was alone” is how despite the aid from the Empire Britain wasn’t in a position to really use it. Britain wasn’t a militaristic Empire (relying more on trade and the threat of power rather than massive mobilisation). As such while the Empire was imperative to Britain defence, the fact of the matter was that the heart of the fight was in bombing distance of a gigantic war machine, with the Empires resources too stretched to fully safeguard the British Isles and guarantee its security. To say Britain was alone is a massive oversimplification and is bad History, it undermines the huge valiant efforts of Canada, India, Australia, New Zealand and everywhere else in the Empire. But it is trying to define what was a very sad fact; while Britain’s empire was large it was difficult to mobilise its resources effectively to fight Germany as if it was a large alliance of nations. British and collaborator manpower and might was needed to police the Empire and travel and deployment of Empire and dominion troops took time. Britain fought alone in massive speech marks in Europe as the Empire supported it, but also had to support its huge international obligations too

[@juliangrant9718]

@@JB-yb4wn You're being a bit disingenuous. Australians were stationed in Africa and the South Pacific and Canada couldn't send enough fighter planes. England was THE battlefront for western society. They were going to be invaded by the Germans. No one apart of the colonies could come in and just save England. They needed a former colonial newly formed superpower and Hitler's stupidity to turn on Stalin to do that.

[@B1GK1NG]

Such a marvellous scene. It shows how noble and great his Majesty was at that time and how he supported probably the best war time Prime Minister in UK history.

[@adolfovillanueva262]

The best prime minister in the last hundred years. And he was just a Sir. Then came the Baroness and their successors. Now GB is no longer there... 😢

[@Woozler554]

Great scene depicting two extremely courageous men.

[@casbot71]

*King George:* we were _this_ close to greatness.

[@tifauk]

This film deserved a lot more credit than it got. Such a brilliant portrayal of every person

[@buhatkj]

how wonderful, to see two men support each other and guide their nation through such a terrible time. The UK was lucky to have such men in charge at that time.

[@LegendaryMercenary.]

Not sure if anyone else noticed this but *September 3, 1939* was the date we declared war on Germany. This was uploaded on September 3. Sure, it was 83 years apart but still, I am not entirely convinced this is simply a coincidence (I know, I am boring lol). Both Great Britain and France actually declared war as Germany had invaded Poland two days earlier. This is a fantastic scene, even if this scene was exaggerated slightly, I seriously doubt Edward VIII would have encouraged Sir Winston Churchill to 'beat the buggers' lol.

[@calwells5612]

Thank heaven for those two men! A world-saving duo.

[@HSMiyamoto]

i think the lack of lighting was a directorial choice to reflect Churchills chronic depression. He achieved so much despite not being an inveterate optimist like FDR.

[@Beppo85]

Ben Mendelsohn’s Bertie is pretty spot-on. Not only does he look like him, he gets the voice, cadence, and impediment almost perfect.

[@ChrisGWGreen]

A masterclass in acting! All involved are at their best... its an absolute treat.

[@shortwidgets]

Great scene. It captured the dire situation brilliantly. Great actors

[@GuyWilson706]

I believe George VI was a fine king, a moral man but outspoken when he is allowed to express his concerns and love for his country and peoples

[@cnote2458]

I named my youngest son after King George. He could have ran at any moment. But knew his presence was needed to boost morale for the country. Shows he was born not to boss people around. But to lead and he gave the British people such inspiration.

[@tonyves]

When Elizabeth Queen Mum was suggested that they move to Canada, she said "I will not go without the King, and the King will never go."

[@waynecassels3607]

A glorious presentation of a terrible time and two heroic men.

[@bjornkrohne2962]

A fantastic scene between the king and the PM. Although everything is motion, fantastic when actors is actors and doing what they are born to be.

[@bzaust4780]

There was talk about a sequel centered around the Yalta Conference with Stalin and FDR. Hopefully they pull the trigger. Amazing acting by Gary Oldman, dare I say his best...

[@christians6633]

I have watched the movie in cinema and liked it very much. And it is definitely not the usual kind of movie I watch. ;) As a german born long after the war I have to say I am very grateful Churchill stood up against Hitler and Nazi germany.

[@Lol-wg1bq]

Oh sir Churchill was hitler. He just comitted mass genocide on India which your entitled self may not remember. Wiping out 3 million Indians from earth. Oh such a nice brave man.🙂

[@scotthamp384]

Out all of the movies I've seen in my almost 30 years, this is the only one I call fucking brilliant And this is the only movie in recent years my mother was able to sit through and watch this from beginning to end

[@j_scee6819]

Britain dodged a bullet with Edward VIII. You just have to say, "Thank God for Mrs. Simpson."

[@mrswavee2470]

You can really relate this to Ukraine war. Some allies want appeasement. Some want to take a stand and end Russia's invasion whatever it takes.

[@fazbell]

A powerful scene.

[@simongigney2138]

Such an amazing movie. Truly couldn't get over how amazing not just Gary Oldman, but so many of the cast were just brilliant. This movies on my keepers blue ray collection forever.

[@cybersquire]

Commissioner Gordon and Director Krennic discuss the chances of a peace deal with Sauron, over the future of Skyrim, 1940 (colorized)

[@carlvincent12]

“You’re not gonna call the cops are ya mate?”- Ben Mendelsohn

[@andypandywalters]

'Perhaps now we have each other'.....brings tears to my eyes every time.

[@horatiohuskisson5471]

Watching this great scene then interrupted by “GRANNY, I GOT THE JOB…”

[@jameswilliams3581]

I love that stereotype of an upper-class British woman that stays perfectly poised in danger with a certain wry humor. Like the sky is falling and she would pause and ask if you wanted a spot of tea 😊

[@anne-louiseluccarini4530]

She was his love and support. They adored each other.

[@tonyves]

When d day came the Brits, having invaded France stopped and, to a man, brewed a cuppa, to the Americans astonishment.

[@OnHighway61]

What a fantastic portrayal of Bertie

[@jonreese7066]

He was sitting there in dark until his wife turned on light if a man has someone like that he is a lucky man

[@anne-louiseluccarini4530]

Well, he did; and yes, he was lucky - and he knew it. Clementine.

[@Jonesyb90]

Working class lad from South London hasn’t done too badly for himself has he, being incredibly talented helps to be fair.

[@RS-qo1rb]

Elizabeth would be so proud of her father but when I saw I knew this is the man that sired the great queen Elizabeth of course he’s as strong.

[@claudeallen725]

Well voiced by Ben Mendelssohn. The slight halt in his voice mimics well the stutter that King George had.

[@stevevr1965]

What an absolutely brilliant scene in a fantastic movie !!!

[@robertlangley1664]

Thank god we had Churchill and the king at that time when we need them good god were would we be now ,most of us wouldn’t be here hitler would have seen to that

[@DD-pz3kf]

You are strong because you are imperfect. Luv it ❤

[@ravepuppie]

Gary Oldman simply kills it is every role he's in. A master.

[@pedrogarcia-maurino6468]

* *Geoffrey Rush appears* *: Well done Bertie!

[@user-ne5bd9xs8s]

It wasn’t until I read the comments that I realised who the guy playing the king was 😳 I remember him from “Killing them Softly” what an actor 🔥

[@philjamieson5572]

I liked his performance but, for me, John Lithgow in 'The Crown' is the best portrayal of Churchill up to now.

[@dpetrano]

This scene proves the British King had/has the power to declare war or peace, irrespective of the Prime Minister who can be discharged of duties any time by the king or queen. If these powers were not in place, these scene would not be necessary.

[@bayousbambino427]

There's been no English monarch for over 300 years.

[@dpetrano]

@@bayousbambino427 I stand corrected. British monarch. Thankyou.

[@stacyhamilton2619]

You use more commas than Andrew's daughters have goofy fascinating hats. Charles III couldn't declare war on Harry's real dad.

[@dpetrano]

@@stacyhamilton2619 Edited out mistaken commas. thankyou. Yes, the leading monarch has power to declare war and peace, as well as commander in chief of all British military, can enter into treaties, can order anyone arrested, has full power of parden both before and after a crime and parden can be confidential, all land grants are subject to prerogative to take back, is absolute head of Church of England.

[@maryannfiebelkorn743]

@@dpetrano the English monarch is commonly seen as a figurehead only...in the case of Elizabeth and her dad..very much loved...the English king or queen only consults with prime minister...he or she does not have any "real power" ... hence the sovereign can not make policy can not make treaties ect...ect...

[@moryan6447]

Just a beautiful scene...

[@eddihaskell]

What allies? France was falling. Russia and the USA were not yet in the year. Canada, Australia, and the Empire were Britain's allies when Churchill took power. Britain basically stood alone.

[@raflaughter3474]

Actually, in 1940, it could be said the Soviet Union was on the side of Germany. They invaded Poland a few weeks after Germany invaded. If Hitler hadn't invaded them in 1941 they might never had become allies.

[@anne-louiseluccarini4530]

"And now it has come to us to stand alone," said Churchill, at the start of one of those immortal speeches.

[@John14710]

I got an ad at the most inappropriate time

[@carlvincent-ud5qn]

And this is why Elisabeth was the most remarkable woman of the 20th Century. she was mentored by 2 of the most remarkable men of her time.

[@easternlights3155]

This was the moment when George VI really cemented his place among the greatest English monarchs in my opinion - refusing to abandon his people and continuing to fight even though his kingdom was on the verge of falling. King Alfred would be proud.

[@lauraclaire]

Whoever wrote this script was a genius.

[@syncout9586]

I don't know if it was intentional but I like how in Downfall (2004) Hitler's secretary was the main plot. While in Darkest Hour (2017) Churchill's secretary was the subplot

[@itsjohndell]

Superb

[@hansostlund4626]

this scene is one of the very best ”scenes” of the history in ”films” as always mr gary oldman is outstanding here but the king actor ia also brilliant, great it is

[@michaelplummer395]

a perfect movie in every sense

[@bigpharmasports9120]

Very interesting comparison of portrayals of both characters. In the king's speech, its Churchill that encourages the King (albeit briefly) and shows the most confidence. In this movie, the king is portrayed as more confident and provides unwavering support to churchill in kind.

[@archimedesscrew3710]

Brilliant!💪🏻

[@decibellone696]

a beautiful movie - no question.

[@lucyhardy-styles-shield2728]

For a talented German actor, Ben did a cracking job with the English accent and portraying King George VI. I'd love to see him take a crack at another portrayal of a British Royal, he could possibly pass as our current King, Charles III

[@grusl]

he's australian

[@lucyhardy-styles-shield2728]

@@grusl oh, never knew that. I thought he was German, well, you learn something new every day 😅

[@naradaian]

The British Royal Family were German - Mountbatten even changed his name from Battenberg…Victoria’s Albert was German

[@Eric-kn4yn]

The royal navy meant dealing with Hitler wasn't an option

[@Eric-kn4yn]

The only thing that worried churchill was the uboote

[@Eric-kn4yn]

Invading across the channel with the RN around. 🤣

[@JB-yb4wn]

@@Eric-kn4yn What could possibly happen? 😂

[@michelmendoza1769]

There are three individuals to whom we owe all that man, Ike and FDR

[@michelmendoza1769]

I forgot to mention Marshall

[@stevegibble828]

A pivotal moment in history.

[@IntheeyesofMorbo]

If the UK builds a larger missile defense cruiser I hope they call it the King George VI. Then it and the USS Winston Churchill can guard the carriers

[@ADreadBellow]

Two incredible men who helped save the world.

[@grimmshredsanguinus2915]

3:58 when the effects of a force choke by Darth vader still affect your throat

[@CoolCoyote]

We were the War Children Born 1945 When all the soldiers came marching home Love looks in their eye Tennessee Tennessee Williams Let your inspiration flow Let it be around when we hear the sound When the spring time rivers flow when the rivers flow Rod Steiger and Marlon Brando Standing with their heads bowed on the side Crying like a baby thinking about the time James Dean took that fatal ride, took that ride Tennessee Tennessee Tennessee Tennessee Williams Let your inspiration go Will you be around to hear the sound When the spring time rivers flow, rivers flow And Steiger and Marlon Brando Standing with their heads bowed on the side Crying like a baby thinking about the time James Dean took that fatal ride, took that ride And we were the Wild Children Back in 1945 When all the soldiers came marching home Love looks in their eyes, in their eyes

[@odysseusrex5908]

This meeting is purely fictional, but it is a very well done piece of cinema.