The King and I (1956)

"More than your eyes have ever seen. More than your hearts have ever known!" Truly,
the audience was indeed appeased with Walter Lang's musical film "The King and I" with how it
greatly executed the nature of the English-school teacher, Anna Leonowens' and the King's
characteristics however contrasting as screeplayed by Ernest Lehman.

The film remarkably showed more of the rich culture and traditions of Siam (now
Thailand), from the 1950's ensembles to their strong beliefs and immense proverbs as to how it
was on Oscar Hammerstein II and Richard Rodgers' musical.

As it is known, the English-school teacher, a widow, Anna Leonowens is summoned by

King Mongkut to Siam to train the king's children with the universal languange. Having been
informed by the King's Kralahome that Anna and her son Louis will be staying at the palace, Anna
insisted to confront the king with his promised house to the teacher. And in this moment, Anna's
character showed no fear through her musical number "I Whistle a Happy Tune".

Though Anna boldly faced King Mongkut, the king insisted that Anna and her son will
stay in the palace. Despite of the king's discussion on his visions for Siam to Anna, she has
observed a number of issues throughout her stay in the palace. Several of these issues involved
toxic patriarchy (i.e King marries many wife to widen the family name) and inqualities between
men and women (i.e the education system in Saim).

With all these issues that Anna has witnessed, she did not only shared her expertise in
language but also shared her views and perceptions on the injustices that she has encountered.
Through this, we can see the great difference between two different nations and how their
relationship revolved around their differences.

This is shown when King Mongkut was troubled with the rumor that the British has
regarded him as "barbaric", sending over a delegation together with Sir Edward, Anna's old lover.
Anna adviced the king to have the guest in european style by hosting a banquet with European
food and music.

Another issue that marked a significant impact on the audience is how Anna hold on to
the reality of one man loving only one woman, as she helped Luntha, Tuptim's lover, set up a
meeting to plan for their escape.

As the story ended with Anna knowing that King Mongkut is dying on the night of her
departure, Lady Thiang gives Anna his unfinished letter, stating his deep gratitude and respect
for her, despite their differences. The king then passes his title to Prince Chulalongkorn, who
brought an end to slavery and states that all subjects will no longer bow down to him.

Clearly, the film showed how one culture can be ended with another's virtue. Though
the film has served as an eye-opener to the society with its explicit dialogue , it displayed racism
with some of its casting: Yul Bryner being the King Mangkut.
 Adding to the well structured script of the film is how the music pieces have remained
and how it was exquisitely performed by the cast with that of Hammerstein and Rodger's
musical.

Overall, Walter Lang's "The King and I" has made a pituresque and musically exciting film
version of the novel Anna and the King of Siam by Margaret Landon. This musical film has
garnered numerous well-deserved awards some of which are: Oscar's Best Actor in a Leading
Role, Yul Brynner, Oscar's Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Color: Lyle R. Wheeler, John DeCuir,
Walter M. Scott, and Paul S. Fox and Golden Globe's Best Motion Picture-Comedy or Musical
and other awards that have reached a total of 9 winnings and 10 nominees in different fields.

References:

https://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-king-and-i-1956

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_King_and_I_(1956_film)

https://www.nytimes.com/1956/06/29/archives/screen-the-kind-and-i.html