Common Sense Media Review
OK for kids, but classic movie version is a better bet.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The King and I (1999)
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
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Friendship , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 87 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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