The King and I

What a glorious film. The Golden Age of Hollywood will live on as long as we look back to these wonderful examples of spectacular productions, talented actors, and interesting stories. Today's filmmakers could learn from their predecessors. Many of us are simply tired of the barrage of remakes, franchise houses, CGI, and gratuitous violence. The King and I is an entertainment classic. If only Hollywood could get back to the basics.

Though I don't remember the first time I saw the movie it was a movie I grew up on. I grew up on Rodgers and Hammerstein and have loved all (but State Fair) of their movies that I've seen. And I have to say that this movie is their very best and the very best musical ever made. Yul Brynner was great and was very deserving of the best actor Oscar. I love every thing about this movie and it tugs on my heartstrings every time I watch it. Even know I know how it will end a huge lump comes to my throat as my heart sings when he dances with her across the room just wishing that they can be together some how.If a movie can move you like that every time, than it's top notch and The King and I does it best.

Films and stage shows come from the oddest sources. The diaries of Anna Leonowens, the English nanny/tutor to the children of King Mongkut of Siam are not the most obvious choice to be turned into a musical, yet the Rodgers and Hammerstein stage show was enormously successful, as was the film which inevitably followed. And the reasons why are easy to see. The culture clash story is engaging, being both entertaining and thoughtful. The performances are all good, with Deborah Kerr being excellent, and Yul Brynner perfect: regal, mercurial, thoughtful, imposing, and humorous. It is a most human portrayal of a man whose position often required him to suppress his humanity. The production value (with a small caveat for an element of staginess) is spectacular and sumptuous. And the songs... Rodgers and Hammerstein never came up with a bad song, but all the songs in The King And I - every last one of them - is a showstopper. A wonderful film.

Getting to know The King and I is a wonderful experience. Yul Brynner is unforgettable as the king of Siam, and Deborah Kerr is able to stand toe-to-toe (or head-to-head) with his every move. With its lavish sets, elaborate costumes, and amusing songs, this musical has an undeniable charm, even if it may feel foreign or dated to some.

This is just a beautiful film,much better than the animated version. It has the most gorgeous score by Rodgers and Hammerstein, although it is not as good as the Sound of Music. The film itself is beautiful, and I felt enchanted watching it. The main attraction is the scenery and cinematography, they were just amazing. Yul Brynner undoubtedly gives the performance of his career, he is magnificent here. Deborah Kerr, who sadly died recently, matches him beautifully in a touching performance of Anna Leonowens. The intermission was a delight to listen to, and for me the highlight of the movie is the scene, the play. Speaking of the ending, it is so sad, and I hated the fact that the animated version completely changed the story. Give this a try, you'll be enchanted. 9/10-it is a bit long. Bethany Cox