Apple TVThe King and I (1956)
Bias Rating
Analyzing...
Center
Viewer Rating
Rating: 7.8
Overview
Widowed Welsh mother Anna Loenowens becomes a governess and English tutor to the wives and many children of the stubborn King Mongkut of Siam. Anna and the King have a clash of personalities as she works to teach the royal family about the English language, customs and etiquette, and rushes to prepare a party for a group of European diplomats who must change their opinions about the King.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Apple TV
Google PlayBias Dimensions
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Low
Race Swap: Yes
Buddhism: Positive
Christianity: Positive
Overview
Widowed Welsh mother Anna Loenowens becomes a governess and English tutor to the wives and many children of the stubborn King Mongkut of Siam. Anna and the King have a clash of personalities as she works to teach the royal family about the English language, customs and etiquette, and rushes to prepare a party for a group of European diplomats who must change their opinions about the King.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Apple TVGoogle PlayDetailed Bias Analysis
Analyzing...
Center
Primary
The film champions progressive values like education, gender equality, and the abolition of slavery, advocating for gradual, enlightened reform through cross-cultural understanding and the personal transformation of a leader, aligning with left-leaning ideals.
The movie's casting largely reflects traditional practices of its era, with non-Asian actors often portraying Asian characters, and does not feature intentional DEI-driven recasting of traditionally white roles. The narrative primarily frames the white protagonist positively, without explicitly critiquing traditional identities.
Secondary
The film features characters like Tuptim and Lun Tha, who are canonically Burmese (East Asian), portrayed by Latina and Latino actors (Rita Moreno and Carlos Rivas). This constitutes a race swap.
The film depicts the King and his court as Buddhist, showcasing their traditions and practices with respect. While exploring cultural clashes and the King's complex rule, the narrative does not portray Buddhism itself as inherently oppressive or foolish, but rather as an integral part of Siamese culture.
The film portrays Anna's Christian faith as a source of her moral strength, integrity, and dignity. The narrative aligns with her virtues, positioning her principled stance as a positive influence within the cultural clash.
The King and I does not feature any identifiable LGBTQ+ characters, relationships, or themes. The film's narrative focuses on the cultural clash and evolving relationship between a British schoolteacher and the King of Siam, without incorporating any queer representation.
The movie does not contain any action or adventure elements.
The 1956 film "The King and I" adapts a musical based on historical accounts. All major characters, including Anna Leonowens and King Mongkut, maintain their historically or canonically established genders from the source material.
Viewer Rating Breakdown
7.8
Viewer Rating
Combines user and critic ratings from four sources
User Ratings
7.4
7.1
Critic Ratings
9.3
7.2
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