Anna and the King
Performance & Direction: Anna and the King Review
Last updated: January 24, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Anna and the King (1999) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Anna and the King features a noteworthy lineup led by Jodie Foster . Supported by the likes of Chow Yun-Fat and Bai Ling , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Anna and the King (1999) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 6.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: Anna and the King
Quick Plot Summary: Anna and the King is a Drama, Romance, History film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. The story of the romance between the King of Siam (now Thailand) and the widowed British school teacher Anna Leonowens during the 1860s. Anna teaches the children and becomes romanced by the King. She convinces him that a man can be loved by just one woman. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: Anna and the King
Ending Breakdown: Anna and the King concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Anna and the King reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Anna and the King Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Anna and the King draws heavily from documented historical records. As a drama, romance, history film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: Anna and the King adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Anna and the King?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: Anna and the King
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $75.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $114.0M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Anna and the King Budget
The estimated production budget for Anna and the King is $75.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Anna and the King
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Anna and the King Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeAnna and the King Parents Guide & Age Rating
1999 AdvisoryWondering about Anna and the King age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Anna and the King is 148 minutes (2h 28m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.8/10, and global performance metrics, Anna and the King is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1999 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anna and the King worth watching?
Anna and the King is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.8/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Anna and the King parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Anna and the King identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Anna and the King?
The total duration of Anna and the King is 148 minutes, which is approximately 2h 28m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Anna and the King
How Anna and the King Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Anna and the King
This is a great looking film; the beautiful photography (Malaysia not Thailand) is stunning and George Fenton's sympathetic score helps create a stylish setting for this retelling of the story about an English widow - played here by Jodie Foster - who takes up a position as governess to the children (and wives) of King Mongkut of Siam (Chow Yun-Fat). This story departs pretty drastically from the original text and turns into more of a sentimental love story tempered by treasonous activities from within the King's extended family. The principle performances are both gentle and sensitive, though Jodie Foster's accent is a little forced, and Bill Stewart puts in a good effort as the dodgy British trader "Mycroft Kincaid". It is just too far removed from the original for me, but I'd watch it again....
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
