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Plot

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.
MPAA Rating:
PG-13 for some intense violent sequences.
Genre(s):
Foreign
Run Time:
147min.
Theatrical Release Date:
12/17/1999
DVD Release Date:
10/31/2000
Distributor(s):
Fox
Director(s):
Andy Tennant
Starring:
Jodie Foster , Chow Yun-Fat , Bai Ling , Tom Felton , Syed Alwi
Themes:
Culture Clash,Servants and Employers,Opposites Attract,Interracial/Cross-Cultural Romance,Crowned Heads,Nannies and Caregivers
Tone:
Atmospheric,Lavish,Lyrical,Passionate,Sweeping
Keywords:
Thailand,child,culture-clash,governess,king,nanny,widow/widower,will [document]
Country of Origin:
USA (12-17-1999)
Language:
English