Review of The King and I (1956) by Uditha D — 18 Jun 2012
The war of words between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens may not have been even remotely similar to what really happened in history, but The King and I dispenses with all those trivial inaccuracies.
True, at a point it did get sentimental and melodramatic (the scenes of Lun Tha and Teptim were just too much), but it's a well thought out musical film, in fact one of the finest I've seen in the genre.
Add to that Yul Brynner's remarkably funny performance as the eccentric King (although I must say that his portrayal of the King was somewhat grossly insulting), and the wonderful chemistry between him and Deborah Kerr (it initially ascends, then descends, and finally, in the moving finale of his death, ascends one final time) are quite worthy commendables in this unique film.
None of the two remakes that followed can even DREAM of being comparable with this gemstone.
This review of The King and I (1956) was written by Uditha D on 18 Jun 2012.
The King and I has generally received very positive reviews.
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