Movie Review: The King and I

Anna Leonowens is an English widow who is hired by the king of Siam to teach his children. Upon her arrival in Siam she is met by the haughty king who pays no heed to her desire to have a house of her own, outside the palace premises. Eventually however, she yields to his desire to stay on the palace premises and teach various subjects to his any wives and children. Ultimately she also ends up advising the king on many matters of foreign policy as well. While the main plot revolves around Anna and her love for teaching the king’s children, the king himself also tries to teach himself  about the western world but as the audience soon discovers, he is far behind the times in many matters and is considered a barbarian by the English. A sub plot also revolves around the Burmese slave Tup Tim who is given as a gift to the proud king, but secretly longs for her lover who she is prohibited from ever seeing again.

While some of the instances in the film are historically inaccurate and therefore controversial, the film as a whole does turn out to be quite a visual treat. The songs are well orchestrated and one which stands out in particular is the musical version of Uncle Tom’s Cabin written by the slave, Tup Tim which is exquisite in its treatment and stylization. The performances in this film are also quite exemplary and the king played by Yul Brynner and Anna played by Deborah Kerr, both stand out in their individual characterisations. The headstrong and stubborn character of the king is well matched by Anna’s feisty nature and both are an equal match for each other and the audience can’t help but fall in love with the two despite their conflicting personalities. What appeals to me the most is the colonial angle in the film where Anna eventually understands the culture of the kingdom of Siam and this view is in complete contrast to the Britishers view of the Siamese as barbarians.


Movies like this one aren't made anymore and it's a film that will always be loved and remembered for its beautiful performances and its grandiose sets. A must watch.