The King and I (1956)★ 7.6/10
- Drama
- Romance
- Biography
- Musical
Directed by: Walter Lang
Written by: Ernest Lehman, Oscar Hammerstein II, Margaret Landon
In Siam, Anna teaches royal children, grows close to the King, and must decide between love and freedom as cultures and duties collide.
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Cast & crew
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Yul BrynnerKing Mongkut of Siam
Deborah KerrAnna Leonowens
Rita MorenoTuptim
Martin BensonKralahome
Terry SaundersLady Thiang
Rex ThompsonLouis Leonowens
Carlos RivasLun Tha
Patrick AdiartePrince Chulalongkorn
Alan MowbraySir John Hay
Geoffrey TooneSir Edward RamsayLeo AbbeyGuard (uncredited)
Robert BanasKeeper of the Dogs - in Play (uncredited)Videos
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Awards · 7 wins, 6 nominations
See all ›- WinnerGolden Globes, USA 1957Golden Globe · Best Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical
- WinnerGolden Globes, USA 1957Golden Globe · Best Actress - Comedy or Musical
- WinnerAcademy Awards, USA 1957Oscar · Best Costume Design, Color
- WinnerAcademy Awards, USA 1957Oscar · Best Actor in a Leading Role
- WinnerAcademy Awards, USA 1957Oscar · Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Color
Reviews
I
Ivan_LucasAugust 26, 2025
Ivan_LucasAugust 26, 2025Lavish and full of theatrical flair, the film’s Southeast Asian aesthetic is filtered through a Western gaze. The ballet-like retelling of "Uncle Tom’s Cabin" is especially arresting. Yul Brynner is unforgettable as the conflicted King—torn between his admiration for modernity and his stubborn clinging to tradition.
C
Channing_ReyesAugust 26, 2025
Channing_ReyesAugust 26, 2025The costumes and sets are extravagant, with a saturated color palette and ornate details. The ending—where the King suddenly dies—feels abrupt, almost like the writers ran out of options. Still, the visual design throws in every imaginable “Oriental” trope, and it remains visually engaging.
