"In 'The King's Speech,' patriotism is utterly contained within a historical moment, the third of September, 1939, where the aggressor is clear, the fight is clear, it hasn't become complicated over time"
- Tom Hooper
About this Quote
In this quote, director Tom Hooper is going over the theme of patriotism in his movie "The King's Speech." He discusses that in the movie, patriotism is limited to a specific minute in history - September 3rd, 1939. This date marks the start of World War II, and Hooper suggests that this is a time when patriotism was clear and uncomplicated. The assailant, or opponent, was quickly determined and the fight for one's nation was obvious. Hooper contrasts this with the idea that over time, patriotism can become more complicated and tough to specify. In general, the quote highlights the significance of historic context in comprehending the idea of patriotism.
"We shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender"
"Communists have always played an active role in the fight by colonial countries for their freedom, because the short-term objects of Communism would always correspond with the long-term objects of freedom movements"
"The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself"
