King Richard
King Richard

King Richard

2021Movie144 minEnglish

The story of how Richard Williams served as a coach to his daughters Venus and Serena, who will soon become two of the most legendary tennis players in history.

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Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes84%
Metacritic61/100
Google Users95%
Director: Reinaldo Marcus GreenGenres: Biography, Drama, Sport

Plot Summary

Based on a true story, King Richard follows the life of Richard Williams, the determined father of two of the world's most extraordinarily gifted athletes, Venus and Serena Williams. Richard had a plan to get his daughters not just out of Compton, but into the world stage of professional tennis. His unwavering commitment and unconventional methods shaped their journey from public courts to Grand Slam tournaments.

Critical Reception

King Richard received widespread critical acclaim, with particular praise directed at Will Smith's performance as Richard Williams. Critics lauded the film for its inspiring narrative, emotional depth, and its portrayal of family, perseverance, and the challenges faced by aspiring athletes from underprivileged backgrounds.

What Reviewers Say

  • A powerful and inspiring biopic anchored by a commanding performance from Will Smith.
  • The film balances the gritty realities of overcoming obstacles with a feel-good narrative.
  • It offers a compelling look at the sacrifices and dedication required for athletic greatness.

Google audience: Google users overwhelmingly praised the film for its heartwarming story and the incredible performances, especially Will Smith's Oscar-winning portrayal. Many found it to be a motivational and uplifting experience that effectively captured the family's journey and determination.

Awards & Accolades

Won 1 Oscar (Best Actor for Will Smith), nominated for 5 other Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress (Aunjanue Ellis), Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing, and Best Original Song. Nominated for 6 Golden Globe Awards, 3 Screen Actors Guild Awards, and received numerous other nominations and wins from critics' circles.

Fun Fact

Will Smith famously insisted on staying in character as Richard Williams even off-camera during the entire filming process, including during rehearsals and downtime with the young actresses playing Venus and Serena.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

6 reviews
rsanek

rsanek

Super well-done, didn't realize that the father was *this* involved nor that their family placed such a focus on education. Shame that the film now has a huge asterisk next to it thanks to Will Smith's behavior.
Nathan

Nathan

_King Richard_ is a heartfelt biopic that shows the rise of the triumphant Williams sisters, and the film is triumphant on all fronts. I thought it did a great job showing the trials and tribulations of reaching the top of any sport, whi...
badelf

badelf

This is a top notch biopic. The acting and the pacing are first-class. Admittedly, being a Florida tennis player puts the film a little closer to my heart, but still, it's a touching look at how much a parent can give so his kids have a bet...
M_i_c_h_a_e_l

M_i_c_h_a_e_l

King Richard feels a little too gentle with a favourable look at a key figure in the careers of two of the most significant tennis players the world has seen. The script starts off intending this to be a feel good story though it’s not w...
Manuel São Bento

Manuel São Bento

FULL SPOILERF-FREE REVIEW @ https://www.msbreviews.com/movie-reviews/king-richard-spoiler-free-review "King Richard is not only one of my favorite movies of the year, but it's also one of the best biopics I've ever witnessed. The subj...
pithawg

pithawg

As to the acting, it was great! The biopic was about the family and the inception of greatness. It took the word "humble" to a new level. As i see it, it is a exceptional performance by all the actors. Note: Very little of the film is abo...