Cheap Anna and the King (Video) (Jodie Foster, Yun-Fat Chow) (Andy Tennant) Price

Related Products

Customer Reviews of Anna and the King

PURE entertainment...as it was meant to be...
I love this movie. I have read others' so called "reviews" here and must dispute any negative statements; especially those misguided fools who insist on "reality" when watching a MOVIE, and have no sense of artistic license or drama. Don't you hate those people who insist on tearing apart a film over the minutest of details; like most Americans could really recognize a "fake" English accent if they did'nt know the actress was American already, OY! For those of you who, like me, are marinating in "reality" 24/7, this was a great escape film, filled with gorgeous cinematography and an entertaining script. Jodie Foster is one of the greatest actresses of our generation and Chow Yun-Fat is a welcome import, a man's man, not a pretty boy who's lack of acting ability is blurred by a dazzling smile. This is an enjoyable film that is loosely based on the diaries of Ms. Anna. It is a remake of the King and I; one that is not an insufferable "musical". It is a great lie on the couch in the evening and turn out the lights and let the film entertain you kind of movie that is well worth the 2 and a half hours.

---

forget about what you saw in the musical...
Chow Yun-Fat doesn't shave his head and he doesn't dance (well, yeah, he does... but not like Yul Brenner in "The King and I") and sing... this movie takes the true story of Anna Leonowens to a level of stark realism. Other than Anna's (Jodie Foster) Victorian dress, it's easy to forget that this film takes place in the 1860's... it looks almost timeless as they are in this robust, diverse and ancient culture. Chow Yun-Fat is absolutely perfect in his role... proof that he doesn't need to weild a gun or perform martial arts to be taken seriously.

There are moments that are tragic, tender and bittersweet as the Thai kingdom of King Mongkut faces an evolution of sorts as it becomes clear that they can no longer shut out the world.

In a world where women are servants and accessories and the King has many wives, Anna challenges the King's ideas of the strength of a woman's mind and her resolve. While he has many wives, it is evident that it is Anna that has stolen his heart. Standing up for principals she believes in is first met with further demands and decrees from the King, but is soon followed with concession and kindness. To see the British and Thai cultures intertwine and react to one another is very interesting and the contrast of how the King and Anna interact versus the snobbish aristocracy.

The Western world sees the King as just a figure-head of a primitive culture, but Anna yields respect for him as she would to her own Queen Victoria, yet does not sacrifice her ideals, beliefs or dignity in the process.

The backdrops, scenery, costumes, etc. are all breath-takingly beautiful and performances by those in lesser roles are also believable and stunning. A great film - I wish it would have been recognized more in theaters.

---

Simply a delightful story
After losing her husband in the jungle of India, Anna Leonowens embarks in a journey that will take her to Siam, where she will tutor the oldest son of King Mongkut. Her son, Louis, and two Hindu servants accompany her in this new endeavor. As soon as Anna sets foot in Bangkok, the difference between cultures surges as a predominant element that will remain present throughout the story. Even though the start is rocky, with Anna being called "Sir" for misogynist reasons and not being given the house she was promised but accommodation in the palace instead, the king discovers quickly the value of this woman that acts very different from what he is used to. That is why he decides that instead of tutoring his oldest son, she will be in charge of teaching all of his children...all 58 of them!

The movie evolves around three clear themes. First, the clash of cultures, which is enlightening and entertaining and as the movie evolves so does the acceptance and admiration each of the characters show for the positive points of the other's culture. Second, the relationship between Anna and the king, which starts as annoyance, moves to respect and continues developing from there. Third, the political atmosphere, which is characterized by attacks to Siamese people by Burmese armies, suspected to be supported by no other than the British Empire (the events unfold in 1862).

Although the movie is rather long, the events unfold at a pace that keeps the viewer interested at all times. The music fits the mood of the action perfectly well, and in the proper scenes it is so uplifting that it steals the attention of the viewer. Jodie Foster delivers a well-rounded role, but in my opinion the performance of Chow Yun-Fat is at a higher level. Finally, the scenery and the palaces where the movie develops are absolutely amazing.

Overall this is a highly enjoyable movie that will leave you thinking for a while about how every culture has its positive aspects and how, with a little patience, everyone can learn to appreciate this.