Anna And The King (1999), A Beautiful Romance Story From Siam

If you ask me, whats the most favorite movie beside The Trilogy of The Lord Of The Rings, I will say that Anna And The King is one of my favorite films. I have watched it in many times and it still leaves a distinct impression that is left behind.

This film became a contradiction in Thailand itself, rejected by the Thai government (the country where this film is set) because it was only based on interpretation. The film Anna And The King is an adaptation of Margaret Landon's 1944 book titled "Anna And The King Of Siam". This work had a major influence on musical theater or modern films that tell the story of the relationship between the Mongkut kingdom and Britain at that time. This film is the second adaptation after the first in 1956. However, Anna Leonowens' 1999 film version in Thailand, which describes itself as a "true story", was criticized for its inaccuracy by the Thai government.

Not much different from the film, the 1944 novel, is based on Anna Leonowens' own memento. A widow with two children, she wrote that she had served as a caretaker or teacher for the 64 children of Raja Rama IV or Raja Mongkut. Upon returning to the West (first in the United States, then Canada), Leonowens, like many women before, turned to writing to support herself and her children.

Despite being controversial from the start, this story continues to evolve, comparing the old and new versions of the story, East and West, patriarchy with women's rights, freedom and slavery, mixed facts with exaggeration or even fiction such as romance stories. Yes, we know that most of the stories will continue to develop from the original story complete with spices, only to make the characters stronger and of course to attract more audiences.

Synopsis

Anna and the King is a film that tells the life of Anna Leonowens (played by Jodie Foster) as a widow from England who gets a job as a private tutor for the children of King Mongkut (played by Chow Yun Fat) of the kingdom of Siam. Anna invites her son Louis (played by Tom Felton) and two of Indian aides to carry out their duties at the Palace of Siam. The mongkut king who acted arbitrarily broke his promise, namely Anna had to teach all of the king's children, totaling 68 kids and a new king's concubine, Tuptim. Tuptim is the lover of an ordinary citizen who was married to King Mongkut. Not only that, Anna was originally promised to be provided with a place to live outside the palace territory, but she did not get this right. Anna also lives in the palace with her child. Anna felt uncomfortable and difficult when she had to live in the palace with all kinds of protocols and customs that were very different from her home country. Conflict with the king and palace officials was inevitable because of this difficulty in adjusting to herself, especially since Anna was considered too often meddling in royal affairs. But for Anna, who upholds freedom like life in her country, everything she does is right, defends human rights.

King Mongkut, who in his time was considered the incarnation of God by his peoples, certainly had extraordinary powers. He cannot be opposed, especially by women. But Anna as a woman who is firm, smart and brave, has her own way to honor the king. Siam is a monarchical country that believes that increasing numbers of children is the right way to be prepared for war and fighting disease.

The differences in character and lifestyle between the king's children and Anna's children were very contrasting at first. The first day of study was colored by quarrels between the two of them, because the son of King Mongkut insulted Louis's father, which started with trivial matters. Then the king's son was punished as a warning. The learning process the next day went smoothly with the closeness of the king's son and Louis, Anna's son. Not long after that, Anna was given a place to live outside the palace.

One day all the inhabitants of Siam were invited to have and celebrate a party with the British. Anna began teaching and training all residents of the Palace of Siam to perform procedures in British public parties in general, including table manners. At first it looks difficult because the time provided is quite short. But thanks to Anna's help and hard work everything is well prepared. The feast was very clear about the differences in culture and character between the British aristocrats and all the inhabitants of Siam. British aristocrats tended to be arrogant with the level of power they had at that time and the stronghold of King Mongkut which still looks thick with its traditions.

On her way to becoming a teacher, Anna saw slavery in Siam which was free and has become a culture in the palace environment. Apart from being a professional teaching figure, Anna also has a mission so that women have the same position as men. This can be seen in the punishment and arrest of Tuptim and her boyfriend, an ordinary citizen who is still in contact through Anna's intermediary. Anna refused the punishment given to Tuptim and her lover. But Anna couldn't do anything about it and finally Tuptim and her boyfriend were executed.

Days still has to walk with regret for the death of Tuptim and her lover. On the other hand, the learning between Anna and the king's children went well. Anna had a considerable influence on life there, becoming more open and starting to look more and more familiar with each other.

The king's love for Anna began to grow also Anna have the same feeling. This was also accompanied by a dispute between Siam and Kincaid's business partner. Not long after the news was heard, it turned out that a war of treason was in sight. But to maintain a sense of peace in the Siamese people, King Mongkut turned this news into good news. Then all the people had a party and King Mongkut went with his troops and also Anna and her children to defend and fight the rebels. In this battle, King Mongkut used traps and tricks in his resistance.

The end of the war was won by King Mongkut with the preparation of the king's trap and Anna's trick using a trumpet as if the king and the British troops fought back. The king was finally able to beat back the rebels.

My Opinion About This Film

Trailer

Broadly speaking, this film tells a history, but what looks like an interesting romance film. About the mutual admiration between British women (Anna) and King Mongkut who of course have different traditions and cultures. And also a love story that will never happen. The original soundtrack (OST) of this film "How Can I not Love You", sung by Joe Enriquez, fills and accompanies every scene in this film, creating a strong bond for the audience to feel the love moments of King Mongkut and Anna Leonowens, which were forbidden by many things. Anna is really able to dominate the heart of the King, a beautiful romance in a beautiful country, Siam. From visuals, music, sound systems to costumes, character, they are presented in perfect harmony with the storyline.

Must be strong, and we must let go
Cannot say what our hearts must know
How can I not love you?
What do I tell my heart?
When do I not want you here in my arms?
How does one waltz away from all of the memories?
How do I not miss you when you are gone?

Chow Yun Fat is able to play perfectly, a action actor of Chinese descent who is able to adapt to the culture even to the Thai dialect that seems natural and not made up. Jodie Foster also played very nicely as a British woman, the two of them were able to present strong chemistry so that the visual romance between Anna and the King was presented. As movie connoisseurs, Anna and The King are able to make my heart feels warm, touching my soul, make an impression on my heart and even give me enthusiasm about a love and life that must continue even if it's not with the people that we love. A cinematographic masterpiece and a beautiful storyline, without boredom from the first to the last minute. No wonder this film won 2 Oscar awards and 12 other award nominations. At IMDb Anna And The King got a rating of 6.7 / 10 and at Rottentomatoes got an Audience score of 64%. So, what do you think about this movie? Interesting right. []