The King and I (1956)


Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II are quite possibly the greatest music-writing team in the history of musical theater. Together, the duo wrote some of the most renowned stage plays of all time. These include such well-known stage productions as The Sound of Music, South Pacific, and Carousel, among others. All of these productions had wonderful film adaptations throughout the years, most of which were done by studio 20th Century Fox. But it is 1956's “The King and I” which just may be the most memorable, mainly because of Yul Brynner, who was cast in both the film version and the original stage production, giving and delivering a magnificent performance. This is one of those movies that give the viewer a rare treat to see film making at its finest.

The plot of the movie revolves around Ms. Anna Leonowens (Deborah Kerr), an overqualified schoolteacher sent by the King of Siam (Brynner) to teach his many children the ways of the modern world. Once Anna starts teaching, the King does not believe everything she is saying as he tries to contemplate his ideas with that of the modern world. And here, it then becomes a clash of cultural differences. Soon, Anna must form a friendly relationship with the King so that both sides of the argument can agree on a reasonable conclusion.

“The King and I” is a fantastic film that defines a perfect movie.

The technical aspects, the costumes, direction, etc., etc., etc., are all done extraordinarily well are a real visual treat. Everything looks and sounds like the stage show being blown up on the big screen. With it looks, “The King and I” is a fantastical film that really needs to be seen to be believed.

The story is simplistic that it tells a good romance that connects the main characters together. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and very adult, but it is taken in a way that everyone can understand.

But where this movie really shines is in the acting and with the music.

The cast is brilliant, especially from Brynner who won an Academy Award for his performance. In fact, just watching him proves he has the power to play one great stubborn jackass so well, that you really like him. On top of this, the other performances really shine and do deserve an honorable mention.

The songs are so memorable that they can be recognized to this day; the most famous being 'Shall We Dance?'. In fact, this movie is one of the greatest musicals of all time, and it would be a real shame to not miss out on such a good movie. Especially to listen to the soundtrack. Even the singing is great, even though Kerr does not do her own singing, and is dubbed by Marni Nixon. But it is still enjoyable, nonetheless.

This is one of those films that are just perfect that there is nothing wrong with it at all. Well, if you do want to count the 1999 animated remake…. But that is another story.

Overall, “The King and I” is one of the greatest films Hollywood has ever made. This adaptation of the Rodgers and Hammerstein play does the production justice and it needs to be seen.

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