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Summary: anna and the king
Review: I went to see this movie with my wife,and loved it. Although many men would consider this a "chick flick", it had everything that makes a movie great(love, intrigue, action, adventure, etc.I would recomend this movie for anyone, especially couples to enjoy a movie together.
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Summary: Phenomenal!
Review: An absolutely perfect performance by Chow Yun Fat as the King and a even a somewhat impressive performance by Jodi Foster as Anna. Beautiful settings and great direction combined with the fact that they gave CYF all of the best lines make this one of the BEST films of 1999, up there with my other favorite, The Green Mile. I recommend that everybody see this gem of american cinema at its finest!
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Summary: forget about what you saw in the musical...
Review: Chow Yun-Fat doesn't shave his head and he doesn't dance (well, yeah, he does... but not like Yul Brenner in "The King and I") and sing... this movie takes the true story of Anna Leonowens to a level of stark realism. Other than Anna's (Jodie Foster) Victorian dress, it's easy to forget that this film takes place in the 1860's... it looks almost timeless as they are in this robust, diverse and ancient culture. Chow Yun-Fat is absolutely perfect in his role... proof that he doesn't need to weild a gun or perform martial arts to be taken seriously.There are moments that are tragic, tender and bittersweet as the Thai kingdom of King Mongkut faces an evolution of sorts as it becomes clear that they can no longer shut out the world. In a world where women are servants and accessories and the King has many wives, Anna challenges the King's ideas of the strength of a woman's mind and her resolve. While he has many wives, it is evident that it is Anna that has stolen his heart. Standing up for principals she believes in is first met with further demands and decrees from the King, but is soon followed with concession and kindness. To see the British and Thai cultures intertwine and react to one another is very interesting and the contrast of how the King and Anna interact versus the snobbish aristocracy. The Western world sees the King as just a figure-head of a primitive culture, but Anna yields respect for him as she would to her own Queen Victoria, yet does not sacrifice her ideals, beliefs or dignity in the process. The backdrops, scenery, costumes, etc. are all breath-takingly beautiful and performances by those in lesser roles are also believable and stunning. A great film - I wish it would have been recognized more in theaters.
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Summary: It's not just another Hollywood movie
Review: Usually all the Hollywood movies are English speaking films. Like "The Last Emperor", it's seems that every Chinese can speak excellent English. In this film, every dialougue in English is reasonable. No English between Thais. It's a remarkable improvement. In "Chasing the Red October", There's no reason for the Russians talk to each others in English especially the beginning of the movie they are talking in Russian. Today in US or elsewhere, Chinese would only speak in Chinese to their Chinese friends even they can speak good English. The director take everything in serious. That makes the movie seems closer to the reality than any other Anna films before. We can compare it with the unforgettable "The longest day" and " Tora Tora Tora" that the different languages used in the films makes them a trusted documentary-feel movies. Just compared the "Tora Tora Tora" and "The War of Mid-way Island" you can see the different between a Hollywood Classics and a Hollywood productions. "Anna and the King" has got the ambition to be another Hollywood Classics and they nearly made it . The only thing upsets the film lovers is they don't get any Important Academy Awards last years. "Doctor Zhivago" didn't take any important Oscars, but it still took 7 minor ones. And what's "Anna and the King" gets? Though I expect Jodie Foster for more, she has already done a great Job. The feeling is similar to when I bought John Lennon's "Double Fantasy" in 80 before his death. I didn't like the album, cos' I expected for more. However, it became one of my favourite album for I know I didn't accept a more human John Lennon when I listened to the album at the first time. For "Anna and the King". I didn't like the performance of Jodie at the first time. And after I watch it again, I find that Jodie is not Jodie, she is Anna. Anna is not any role Jodie act before (maybe the first middle age role for Jodie). What she handled about the deep passion between Anna and the King is so well that she really came to another class of Art. The love without physical touch is so hard to perform and both Jodie and Chow Yun-Fat has done a perfect work. You can recognise their love only through their eyes. No touch, no kiss and even no words of promises, however, we find what we call "Eternal Love". There's no surprise for me to find how well Chow Yun-Fat performs in the movie. I saw every TV programmes and movies by him (He's not just a Action Hero). He performed perfect even in some really Bad films. If you like his performance, try the coming "The Crouching Tigers and Hidden Dragon" and you'll love it. The film has already shown in Hong Kong and it's another Classics in the movie history. Besides the excellent performance of the actors, everything in the movie is close to perfect. It's worth to see the movie just for the rebulit of the Palace and the wardrobe. I would like to give 4 and a half stars for the movie .
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Summary: An enchanting and very entertaining movie
Review: I have and have watched both Anna and the King of Siam, with Irene Dunn and Rex Harrison and The King and I, with Deborah Kerr and Yul Brenner. Enjoying both of these movies over the years I wasn't very enthusiastic about seeing Anna and the King as I felt that a third remake of the same story could not measure up. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Anna and the King not only measured up but surpassed all my expectations. To me it seemed more realistic, as far as character portrayals and I just felt that it was closer to the actual relationship of the two main characters. Jodi Foster, as always gave an excellent portrayal of the hardships of a woman in that period with the task she faced and Chow Yun-Fat, though not as handsome as the previous portrayers of the King was more believable - thouroughly enjoyable!
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Summary: An Extraordinary Experience
Review: I found this movie to be BRILLIANT! Jodie Foster is outstanding in the role of Anna Leonowens - she is a beautiful mix of bravery, intelligence and Victorian elegance. Chow Yun-Fat is also outstanding in the role of King Mongkut - he emits a regal quality as well that of compassion and intelligence. The cinematography is out of this world and the directing exquisite. The dialogue is perfect, and it strikes just the right chord of polished writing. The musical score is breathtaking. The lush scenery and thick emotion is set to elegant, strong, and graceful music. It is forceful when it need be and then fades quietly into the background... at times supporting a scene with gentle rolling waves of ear pleasure. Oh and the costumes! They are completely amazing, and startling in their detail. From the majestic elephants to the smallest noble they are all cloaked in carefully chosen fabrics. This movie in all its entirety affected me very deeply. The intense emotions of the characters are so expertly performed and directed that they feel incredibly real. These emotions, which course through "Anna and the King," create a moving, exciting, and anticipatory experience. I am very grateful to all of those involved in the making of "Anna and the King" for producing such a beautiful and extraordinary film. Anyone who is contemplating viewing this movie... do it. I only hope that you, too will have the pleasure of being able to fully indulge in this feast for the senses.
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Summary: Now who is the king
Review: You think Chow Yun-Fat's performance is a surprise? No no no... that is just himself. He is as charming as he always is! Forget about those stupid action movies Chow Yun-fat, this is where you belong: a serious, glorious drama, with an actress who has the talent to compete with yours. But, *sigh*, how many roles like this can you get in Hollywood? You are so much more than an action star(oh common!), you were the king of the show biz remember? Now you finally got a role you deserve in Hollywood. What now? This king makes the king in the Musical like a child. Don't get me wrong I really enjoy the Musical! But you gotta admit the movie "Anna and the King" goes much deeper... I am not sure how people draw line between movie and history. I mean I would be angry if the history of my country is distorted, so I understand why this movie upsets some people. But it is such a beautiful, moving, passionate movie. I don't really know where the line should be drawn...
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Summary: One of the best movies I've seen in years.
Review: Since I am a Deaf person who has to wait for the movies to come out on video, I could hardly wait for this one to come out. I read the biography of Anna when I was a young woman and was very impressed with her courage. Though of course I enjoyed the musical when I had more hearing, this video is closer to the reality of the story, the times and politics which were involved in the colonization of the Far East by France, England, and eventually the US. It may not be the happy story everyone prefers to think of, but it is a story of courage and learning on both sides of the equation. To an extent this movie may have blown up the story between Anna and the King of Siam...we don't know what they felt for each other besides great respect, and it is ridiculous to speculate on it. However, the cholera rampant in that area during monsoon season is still a reality in many places, and the sympathy between the characters is probably real. I thoroughly enjoyed the beauty of Malaysia where this was filmed, and though it was a different part for Jodie Foster to play, I felt she handled it well. Reality in life I guess, isn't what the masses want. I would suggest those who were disappointed in this realistic version of the story in comparison to the musical with Deborah Kerr and Yul Brynner go find the original book written about her in the library and read it. I thought this was a great and educated movie. Karen Sadler, Science Education, University of Pittsburgh
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Summary: Absolutely brillant
Review: I watched this movie while flying. I found myself not sleeping on an 8-hour flight to watch this wonderful movie. Yun-Fat Chow was absolutely believable (handsome too). His performance made me want to watch more of his movies. I read some of the comments and a couple wrote about it was not true, Western viewpoint through movie, etc. This movie was about romance and something much more than did the actress maintain her accent etc. It was a touching movie without all the sex and hype that we get nowadays. I will buy this movie. It is good and you won't be disappointed if you take the time to watch it.
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Summary: For the record...
Review: Chow Yun-Fat has often been referred to as 'Hong Kong action star', and people have been surprised that he puts in such a great performance in a dramatic role in "Anna and the King". Let's get the record straight: Drama is not new to Chow Yun-Fat. Chow Yun-Fat first came to fame in Asia in the late '70s - early '80s starring in Hong Kong TV drama series...long before he starred in John Woo's action movies. John Woo's movies simply made him even more popular than he was before. He is a brilliant actor, capable of playing all roles, e.g. action, dramatic, comedic etc. I have not seen him in a movie where he acted badly. Bad scripts, yes. Bad acting, no. His charm, the chemistry between him and Jodie Foster, made the ending of the movie so memorable and so bitter sweet. Can't wait for the DVD version of the movie to be available.
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