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The King and I (1999) (G, 1999)

common sense media says

OK for kids, but a waste of time; classic is best.

parents & educators say
See all 3 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this version can't hold a candle to the original 1956 movie or the Rogers and Hammerstein play. It's perfectly age-appropriate for kids, but the animation isn't great, and it strays from the original storyline.

Violence & scariness: Scary villain.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on The King and I (1999)

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how this take on the story compares to the classic 1956 movie with Deborah Kerr and Yul Brynner. Families can also talk about the history of Siam, which is now Thailand.

What's the story?

What's the story?
In this animated version of THE KING AND I, Anna Leonowens and her son Louis leave their home in London for Siam, where Anna becomes governess to the King's many children. As in the stage play and the classic musical, the King and Anna don't see eye-to-eye at first, but the King begins to respect her worldly advice and listens to her when she tells him to throw a party for British officials instead of waging war on them. But Siam's dastardly prime minister, Kralahome, sets out to become ruler by ruining the King's reputation in front of the British bigwigs.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Don't waste your time on this animated version -- rent the classic version with Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr instead. Some of the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein songs remain, but second-rate animation and massive plot changes (mostly of the dumbing-down variety) remove most of the value.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Warner Bros.
Director: Richard Rich
Cast: Christiane Noll, Martin Vidnovic, Miranda Richardson
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 87 minutes
Theatrical release: March 19, 1999
DVD release: July 6, 1999
MPAA Rating: G
This review was written by Nell Minow
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

4kidshater
teen, 14 years old
5
 
An Insult to both Thailand and to the makers of the Sound Of Music
THIS stupid movie is a grave insult not just to Both rodger and hammerstein, but to Thailand too!!! I like Thailand and THis movie doesn't praise it, It insults it. Get Mulan instead, It's better and It praises China. Skip It
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helped me decide (8) | had useful details (11) | read my mind (9)
nduns
adult
7
 
Feels more like 2 half-films than a full film
I don't think this movie could decide what its target audience was. The forbidden love story will come across as boring for kids while the evil sorcerer thing will be too childish for adults. Had the two plots integrated together like in Aladdin, it could have worked, but it didn't. Also, the comedy relief is really annoying, not funny in the slightest!
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Ashnak
adult
5
 
Waste
They took a really good book and some prior really good movies and killed them completely. This movie is a mistake.
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helped me decide (6) | had useful details (7) | read my mind (5)

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About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines