The King’s Speech (2010)

Colin Firth’s King George VI and commoner speech therapist Geoffrey Rush form a contentious friendship across social boundaries, humanizing the king and uplifting Rush in a real crowd-pleaser. Ultimately, though, what do kings do besides speak?

d: Tom Hooper | imdb.com | trailer | Charlie Rose
Enemy | Bertie | Exercise | Common man | It’s just a chair.

The Damned United (2009)

The film catches soccer coach Brian Clough between triumphs — during his 44-day run as coach of Leeds United. Michael Sheen is excellent as the complicated Clough, a trash-talking impresario obsessed with first division fame and rival coach Don Revie.

d: Tom Hooper | imdb.com | trailer | Brian Clough
Don Revie | New players | Management | Leeds United