Jodie Foster Movie:

Editorial Review:
What's a director to do? Andy Tennant's previous film was the highly enjoyable Cinderella romance Ever After, which vanished from theaters and became a video hit. Then Tennant made this gorgeous, nonmusical version of Anna and the King, and once again felt the sting of box-office failure. Both films deserved better, and this Anna is certain to eventually find the appreciative audience that eluded it in theaters. In many ways, this delightful costume romance transcends the latter-day quaintness of The King and I to offer a more lavish and rewarding version of the story of Anna Leonowens, based on her diaries and first told in Margaret Landon's 1944 novel.

In an otherwise admirable performance (although many felt her miscast), Jodie Foster struggles with her Victorian accent as Anna, the grieving widow who arrives in Siam in 1860 with her young son. Having accepted a post as tutor for the many children of the polygamous King Mongkut (Chow Yun-Fat), Anna finds herself drawn to the progressive monarch, whose passions swirl in a turbulent political climate. If the chemistry isn't entirely there, this culture clash still has plenty of regal charm, and Luciana Arrighi's production design is appropriately magnificent. Humor and politics are given equal measure, and Chow Yun-Fat is arguably the most endearing king to date--powerful yet tender, forceful but anguished by the heavier burdens of leadership. Bai Ling's intense performance as the tragic lover Tuptim adds emotional depth to one of the most underrated films of 1999. --Jeff Shannon

Anna and the King [Region 2] Reviews:
Special Edition is NOT widescreen
2008-05-06 - I purchased a new copy of the 'Special Edition' of "Anna and the King" which was listed as being widescreen in the product description of this web site--and it is actually full-screen! The back cover of the case lists the DVD as being anamorphic widescreen and there is no way of choosing full-screen vs widescreen in the menu--so buyer beware. Perhaps it was just my copy that was in error. Has anyone else had this problem?

Anna and the Kind
2008-03-09 - The DVD Anna and the King was fine. I'm so glad I found it on Amazon

excellent film, a must see!
2008-02-27 - I love this movie! It is beautifully filmed and generally well-acted. The story portrays the cultural and philosophical differences and subsequent personal growth of the characters without being "preachy". It is easily as good as any Jane Austen remake and has better storylines and incredible scenery. The role of king is brilliantly portrayed by Chow Yun Fat and shows the deep and thoughtful wisdom of this leader. Great movie.

Good purchase
2008-02-13 - This was a good purchase. I wanted to see it to compare to the King and I. I like it. High quality it came in a reasonable time span.

A wonderful film
2008-01-28 - This is a great film with different cultures that manage to accept each other..... just love watching it