The King and I (1999 film) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The King and I
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Richard Rich
Screenplay by	Peter Bakalian Jacqueline Feather David Seidler
Starring	Miranda Richardson Martin Vidnovic Ian Richardson Darrell Hammond
Music by	William Kidd
Editing by	Joe Campana Paul Murphy
Distributed by	Warner Bros. Pictures
Release date(s)	March 19, 1999 (1999-03-19)
Running time	89 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$25 million
Money made	$12 million

The King and I is an animated musical film from 1999, directed by Richard Rich. It's the only animated movie ever made by Morgan Creek Entertainment. The film is loosely based on a famous 1951 musical with the same name.

The story tells a made-up version of what happened when an English school teacher named Anna Leonowens met the King of Siam, Mongkut, and his royal family. The voices of Anna and King Mongkut are done by Miranda Richardson and Martin Vidnovic. Other voice actors include Ian Richardson, Darrell Hammond, and Adam Wylie. The music and songs in the movie come from the original 1951 stage musical by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. The people who wrote the movie's script changed some parts of the real history and the musical to make the film enjoyable for everyone.

The King and I came out on March 19, 1999. Another live-action movie based on the same story, called Anna and the King, was released eight months later. Some critics thought the animated film was "charmless and shoddily animated." The movie made $12 million at the box office, which was less than other animated films at the time. However, it did get five nominations for awards, including one for Miranda Richardson's voice acting.

What's the Story About?

Anna's Journey to Siam

The story begins in 1862. A ship sails from London to Bangkok, carrying Anna Leonowens and her son, Louis. During a storm, the Kralahome, who is the King's main advisor, uses his special powers to make it look like a giant sea serpent is attacking the ship. Anna and Captain Orton manage to save Louis from the stormy waters. As they get closer to Bangkok, the captain explains to Anna how the kingdom of Siam is set up.

Life in the Royal Palace

In the Grand Palace in Siam, Anna sees King Mongkut receive a gift: a young woman named Tuptim from Burma. Anna was promised her own house outside the palace, but the King tells her she can't have it. The King then takes Anna to his workshop, where he tests new inventions like hot air balloons and trains. Meanwhile, Louis gets a tour of the armory from Master Little, the Kralahome's helper. The King's wives help Anna unpack, and Anna sees Prince Chulalongkorn and Tuptim meeting in the courtyard. Anna first wants to leave because she didn't get her house, but she changes her mind after meeting the King's many children, especially Prince Chulalongkorn.

Challenges and Secrets

The Kralahome is still trying to take over the King's power. He sends a letter to the British Empire, falsely claiming that Anna is in danger. Anna starts teaching the royal children and discovers they have never left the palace. To show them the world, she takes them on a trip around the city, which makes the King angry. The Kralahome finds out about this from Master Little. This leads to a big argument between Anna and the King, with Anna still upset about not getting her promised house.

Prince Chulalongkorn talks to his father about old traditions. He wants to be with Tuptim, but he knows his father would never allow it. Confused, King Mongkut goes to pray to Buddha. The Kralahome then uses his magic to make the statues in the room attack the King, but the King's black panther, Rama, fights them off. Later, when Chulalongkorn is kickboxing, Tuptim learns that he is the crown prince and that their love is forbidden. However, he tells her he doesn't care about traditions and wants to be with her. Master Little finds out about their secret relationship and tells the Kralahome, who plans to use this information to cause trouble for the King.

A Royal Banquet and Escape

Anna goes to the King and learns he is worried because the British think he is uncivilized. Anna knows this isn't true and advises the King to host a big dinner for the British visitors to show them how modern and cultured he is. At the dinner, the Kralahome mentions a special royal ivory pendant that the King should wear. It turns out the King gave it to his son, who then gave it to Tuptim. When it's revealed that Chulalongkorn gave it away, Tuptim is brought in by guards. The King is very upset about their forbidden relationship and threatens to punish Tuptim severely. But Tuptim and Chulalongkorn manage to escape into the jungle with Louis.

A Daring Rescue and New Beginnings

As they escape, the Kralahome uses his powers to guide them across a rope bridge. The bridge breaks, and Tuptim and Chulalongkorn are almost swept away by a river. The King, who has had a change of heart, uses one of his hot air balloons to rescue them. Louis helps by distracting Master Little, who tries to stop the rescue. However, on their way back to the palace, the Kralahome shoots a firework, destroying the balloon and causing it to crash. Everyone except the King jumps into a lake to safety. The Kralahome thinks he has won, but Sir Edward and the royal guards are angry at him for trying to harm the King. The injured King, lying in bed, tells his son to be ready to lead Siam if he doesn't survive. He also allows Chulalongkorn and Tuptim to be married.

The Kralahome loses his important job and is punished by having to clean the elephant stables, with Master Little now being his boss. The King does not die; instead, he recovers and finally gives Anna her house outside the palace walls. The movie ends with Anna and the King dancing happily.

Who Are the Voices?

The Music in the Film

A soundtrack album for The King and I was released on March 16, 1999. It was available on both CD and cassette. All the songs on the album were written by Oscar Hammerstein II and Richard Rodgers, who created the original musical.

One music reviewer, William Ruhlmann, gave the album 3 out of 5 stars. He said it was "surprisingly adequate" for a movie that wasn't very popular. He also mentioned that the singing was good, even if some of the music arrangements were very busy. Another reviewer, John Kenrick, felt the 1999 recording was not as good as other versions of the music. However, The Rodgers and Hammerstein Encyclopedia noted that some of the songs still sounded nice, and the singing in the film was very skilled.

See also

In Spanish: El rey y yo (película de 1999) para niños