The King and I
1956 · Movie · G · 133 min · ★ 7.1 · 83% critics
A widowed teacher takes a job tutoring a powerful ruler’s many children in a royal palace, where strict traditions clash with unfamiliar Western customs. As tensions and mutual respect grow, she helps prepare a high-stakes reception meant to impress visiting diplomats and protect the kingdom’s standing.
Based on Anna and the King of Siam, The King and I
Also known as Rodgers and Hammerstein's The King and I
Where to watch
Streaming on BroadwayHD.
2 hours to watch.
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Details
- Years
- 1956
- Release date
- 1956-06-29
- Language
- English
- Rated
- G
- Runtime
- 133 min
- Critic score
- 83/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.1/10 (404 votes)
About
You’ll likely enjoy this if you want a classic, lavish musical built around culture clash, big set pieces, and familiar tunes; Not for you if you dislike long, old-fashioned musicals or dated attitudes—try West Side Story or Cabaret instead.
Pros: lavish costumes and sets; iconic songs and dances; strong central performances | Cons: dated cultural portrayals; overlong running time; uneven romantic chemistry
Themes
- temple
- widow
- prime minister
- letter
- bangkok, thailand
- palace
- musical
- polygamy
- buddha
- based on play or musical
- misunderstanding
- single mother
- +22 more
Awards & recognition
- Academy Award — Best Sound · 1957
- Academy Award — Best Original Musical Score · 1957
- Academy Award — Best Actor · 1957
- Academy Award — Best Costume Design, Color · 1957
- Academy Award — Best Art Direction, Color · 1957
Show all 16 awards →
- National Board of Review: Top Ten Films
- Academy Award — Best Art Direction, Color · 1957 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Picture · 1957 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Director · 1957 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Costume Design, Color · 1957 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Sound · 1957 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Actress · 1957 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Actor · 1957 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Original Musical Score · 1957 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Cinematography, Color · 1957 · nominated
- Golden Globe Award — Best Film Promoting International Understanding · 1957 · nominated
Cast & crew
Deborah Kerr
as Anna Leonowens
Yul Brynner
as King Mongkut of Siam
Rita Moreno
as Tuptim
Martin Benson
as Kralahome
Terry Saunders
as Lady Thiang
Rex Thompson
as Louis Leonowens
Carlos Rivas
as Lun Tha
Patrick Adiarte
as Prince Chulalongkorn
Alan Mowbray
as Sir John Hay
Geoffrey Toone
as Sir Edward Ramsay
Directed by Walter Lang