The King and I (1999)

For no apparent reason, 1999 became the year of The King and I. The 1956 version with Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr received a glorious digital transfer on video, and Jodie Foster starred in a new, nonmusical version of this story of the King of Siam and the English schoolmistress hired to teach his children. The oddest rendition of the story is this animated version, complete with the famous Rodgers and Hammerstein musical numbers. Richard Rich's (The Swan Princess) animation is on par with most non-Disney features, but the film is chock full of dull villains, playful animals, and ridiculous action sequences. It's a good introduction into this culture for kids who will watch only animation, but the question remains, "Why was this made?" The 1956 version has aged very well, and is fabulous family entertainment. Still, the animated version is nearly an hour shorter, and for those who want hot-air balloon rescues, this would be the version to keep. --Doug Thomas Amazon.com

Why remake a classic into slop

This animated version is a pathetic attempt, and a waste of time. Rent the real thing. October 26, 2007

Cute but Why?

I bought this film on VHS many years ago, I guess shortly after it was released. THE KING AND I has always been my favorite Rodgers & Hammerstein musical, and I have probably a dozen recordings of the score. I also own the 1956 masterpiece film version in a couple of formats.

When I spotted this one, I added it to my library, but I must say I was shocked. My first question is: Who at the R&H Organization was out sick the day this project was green-lighted? I've been a musical director for many years and I know from experience that R&H are sticklers for adhering to the original script and score. Any alterations must be approved. So how did this thing happen?

It's almost totally devoid of any redeeming qualities. I must admit I think the idea of making Prince Chulalongkorn the secret lover of Tuptim was interesting, adding a layer of friction between him and the king. Perhaps Oscar might have approved of that, although he would have written it better, of course. But cute animals and curses and all that crap? Come on!

As one customer wrote, the idea of animating classic musicals is interesting...if done by the right talent. Obviously that talent is not evident here. January 13, 2007

Lousy movie overall, but Master Little alone gives it 4 stars!

This movie is only a shadow of the wonderful musical. The palace might be nicely animated, but it is spoiled by the plot itself. For example, the characters are all one-dimensional with only one intention the whole movie. I thought the songs were un-catchy and lame. However...
MASTER LITTLE!!!!
He, the sidekick to the villain, is positively the best character in all movies ever made; he is soooo funny! I get laughs from him even after watching him twenty times. His wimpy voice and funny appearance (short stature, gigantic belly, smile that takes up half his face) add to the tasteless hilariousness. He also loses teeth through the course of the movie in the funniest ways. This movie gets its four star rating from Master Little alone. I even recommend this lousy movie because of him. August 14, 2006

Not that if you look at it through a kid's perspective

It was definitely made for the kid's toon audience,
but I have to say I liked it for the most part.
The animation isn't too shabby, the musical
scores and scenes are good. I guess what takes
people the wrong way is the use of comedy,
and fantasy (the cat tearing up the statues
while the King sings) and some other issues
with characters.

Yes it's not the 1956 version with Yul, nothing
will top that but it's still not that bad as
far as remakes and different versions go.

I would recommend if you have kids and you want
to introduce to a fun film with references
to the original which blends in some Middle Eastern
culture and values. January 1, 2006

High-Quality Family Movie at a Bargain Price!

A triumph for Richard Rich! This film brings art, music, history and culture to a child's level, yet is captivating enough for a mature adult to enjoy. Planet Earth needs more films like this. A+++++ February 23, 2005

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