Anna and the King

1999 Drama

The true story of Anna Leonowens' experiences as a governess to the children of an eccentric Asian king has been adapted into a book of memoirs, a biography, a stage play called Anna and the King of Siam -- which was adapted into a 1946 film, a stage musical called +The King and I -- made into both the live-action The King and I (1956)) and the animated The King and I (1999) feature films, and a short-lived 1972 TV series. Now the story is brought to the screen yet again, as Jodie Foster stars as Leonowens, hired by the king of Thailand (Chow Yun-Fat) in the 19th century to help care for his children. The king wants the best for his children, but Anna soon discovers that he is a strong-willed but quixotic leader, and her stay in Thailand becomes a struggle for power with romantic overtones, as they decide who will have authority over the royal youngsters. Anna and the King was directed by Andy Tennant, best known for his 1998 variation on the Cinderella story, Ever After. more..

Director: Andy Tennant

Starring: Jodie Foster, Chow Yun-Fat, Bai Ling, Tom Felton, Syed Alwi

Reviews

  • A big, handsome throwback to star-powered historical costume movies.

    Jay Carr - The Boston Globe

    29 November 2012

  • Has the rambling pace of an episodic 1950s costume drama.

    Stephen Holden - The New York Times

    29 November 2012

  • The problem with Anna and the King is that it's caught halfway between then and now--- the film tries to throw in notions of cultural relativism and big power imperialism, but can't do without corny shtick.

    Kenneth Turan - Los Angeles Times

    29 November 2012

  • Old-fashioned Hollywood filmmaking at its best .

    Rita Kempley - The Washington Post

    29 November 2012

  • It's a painstakingly correct update of what is, let's face it, one of the least culturally correct love stories ever to be mythologized by Hollywood.

    Owen Gleiberman - Entertainment Weekly

    29 November 2012

Awards

  • Best Art Direction-Set Decoration

    Academy Awards (2000)

     
  • Feature Film

    Art Directors Guild (2000)

     
  • Best Original Score - Motion Picture

    Golden Globes (2000)

     
  • Best Production Design (Migliore Scenografia)

    Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists (2000)

     
  • Best Sound Editing - Music (Foreign & Domestic)

    Motion Picture Sound Editors (2000)