The King and I (1999)
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this version this version of THE KING AND I is a 1999 animated feature based on the well-known Rogers and Hammerstein musical. While staying more-or-less close to the original production, this version does not shy away from cartoonish violence. Early in the film, a boy is rescued from drowning after jumping off his ship to rescue his pet monkey. Characters fight, throw spears, and a comic sidekick does a William Tell, where an arrow is shot and strikes a wall inches above his head. Shortly after, a series of knives is thrown at him and land around the outline of his body. This sidekick speaks in a "comical" pidgin English that flirts dangerously close to Asian stereotypes. Despite this, fans of Disney-style animated musicals from the 1990s should find much to enjoy in both the quality of the animation and in the arrangements of the musical numbers.
Community Reviews
Agree with 4kidshater
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Feels more like 2 half-films than a full film
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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?
Don't waste your time on this animated version -- rent the classic film version with Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr instead. Some of the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein songs remain, but extensive plot changes (mostly of the dumbing-down variety) remove most of the value.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how this take on the story compares with the classic 1956 movie starring Deborah Kerr and Yul Brynner.
Families can also talk about the history of Siam, which is now Thailand. How much was it influenced by Europeans?
Movie Details
- In theaters: March 19, 1999
- On DVD or streaming: July 6, 1999
- Cast: Christiane Noll, Martin Vidnovic, Miranda Richardson
- Director: Richard Rich
- Studio: Warner Bros.
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Friendship, Music and Sing-Along
- Run time: 87 minutes
- MPAA rating: G
- Last updated: March 31, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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The King and I
A boisterous, big-costumed classic musical.
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Anna and the King
Intense, mature version of The King and I.
For kids who love animation
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