Director: Walter Lang
Original Release: 1956
Choice: Mine
My Overall Rating: 3 stars out of 5
 |
| via Wikipedia |
Now let's set all of that aside for a moment. The King and I is an extraordinary visual spectacle, winning well-deserved Oscars for both art direction and costume design. The movie often feels like a grand theater production with a stage about four times the normal size. The songs, written by the great team of Rogers and Hammerstein, are classics, especially "Getting to Know You" and "Shall We Dance?" It is the film that made Yul Brynner's career. The actor played the role of The King of Siam on both stage and screen, ultimately winning two Tonys and an Academy Award for the part.
None of us had ever watched The King and I before this weekend. While there's a lot to get past in terms of the Orientalism, one can't deny the film dazzles the senses. The dialogue is often genuinely funny. I think our daughter enjoyed it the most of the three of us. On the most basic level, it's fun. But if you're looking for an accurate or respectful portrayal of Thai culture, you won't find it here.
I enjoyed that movie when I was young. I haven't seen it in a long time. Deborah Kerr's dresses with the big skirts are beautiful, but I wouldn't want to have to wear them. They must have been very heavy.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
I think the same thing regarding the dresses with Gone with the Wind.
DeleteDang, Squid, when I'm looking for an accurate portrayal of any culture I go right for 1950s musicals --look at "Oklahoma"-- but seriously, I saw this as a kid and was totally absorbed by it.
ReplyDeletePoint taken. I do realize that movies don't always provide an accurate portrayal of run-of-the-mill American society either.
DeleteThis is one of my favorites and I can tell you for a fact the inaccuracies didn't take anything away from it. I wouldn't believe something out of Hollywood if they said it was 100% accurate. And in 25 years, we will be apologizing for what is being created now (hopefully...there's some one-sided, hateful stuff floating around).
ReplyDeleteThese matters are never easy. I won't pretend otherwise.
DeleteAnd I do agree, it's a fun film.
My Mum loved this film and it became a favorite.
ReplyDeleteWe watched it every time it was on TV. I love this movie because of that.
It is a beautiful movie.
cheers, parsnip
Visually stunning, no doubt.
DeleteMy dad, who was a rugged lumberman, loved this film and it was his favourite film. Even as a kid I knew the people were not portrayed well but I didn't care and personally, I think we are taking everything too seriously and need to lighten up a bit except I do understand why the Thai people banned it and we must respect their culture for doing so. I love this film and my favourite scene and music is when Yul character is introducing all his children. I have to say whenever i see dogs sniff each other's butts the song "getting to klnow you" comes into my head:)
ReplyDeleteI look at it as a teacher in an often painfully homogeneous state. My students have such a limited concept of the world beyond Vermont that I can't help cringing when images confirm all their stereotypes. I realize pop culture only ever offers a limited perspective on anything and 1950s musicals are probably the wrong place to seek depth.
DeleteI still enjoyed the movie, even with the troubling elements.
The whole production is one of grandeur that they just don't do any more (without CGI) and its a true classic. Its not faithful to Thai culture but few movies are I guess.
ReplyDeleteNot unlike Meet Me in St. Louis, King and I is dazzling from the first frame to the last. Regardless of how one feels about the story, it would be hard not to be impressed by the artwork.
DeleteI'm adding this movie to a list to get it. Thanks for intro.
ReplyDeleteI hope you'll share your thoughts when you watch it.
DeleteI remember watching this as a little girl and even then not liking the way women were treated. I loved it but it was only when I got older that I realized how offensive it was to that culture.
ReplyDeleteIt's a fun movie but I wonder if the cultural issues have interfered with long term appeal in comparison with a movie like Singin' in the Rain.
DeleteI have never seen The King and I- but it does sound fun from your review. Good to know that there are many inaccuracies. Thanks for sharing. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
My pleasure.
DeleteIt does look over the top, but I would watch it. I've never seen it. It does look visually stunning from the clip.
ReplyDeleteFrom a strictly visual standpoint, it's beautiful.
DeleteI few years back I went through this bitter phase of proving that nothing in Hollywood was original. I almost did it too, but that's beside the point. I went out and found classic and or popular movies that had originals that were long forgotten. If I had to choose between The King of Siam and The King and I, the latter would win. To be honest, I'm not sure why as a kid this movie didn't appeal to me more, but as I got older it made sense. Still, gotta love Rogers and Hammerstein with all their catchy songs.
ReplyDeleteInteresting project you had there, bitterly inspired though it may have been. I'd love to hear more about it sometime.
Delete