Movie: Anna and the King

Our class watched Anna and the King (1999) for one of our sessions about Thailand.

Anna Leonowens is an Englishwoman who travels to Siam to teach the eldest son of Mongkut, King of Siam. At first, she insists on having her way. She doesn't follow the customs and etiquette of Siam, but as she spends more time with the children, she begins to see Siam has its own way of doing things.

Throughout the film, we see glimpses of Thailand's rich culture, along with its etiquette and customs, the expecations and roles of men and women, rich and poor, slaves and freefolk. Women are not allowed to stand in the presence of men, which is why, during their first meeting, the Prime Minister of Siam addresses Anna as "Sir." When the king comes into view, everyone must bow, as they have the belief that "no head must be higher than the king's."

When the king finds out that one of his concubines, Tuptim, is in love with another man and has run away to the Buddhist temple to be with him, he orders the execution of both Tuptim and her lover.

At first, Anna does not understand. She fights for justice, even going against the king's orders sometimes. But as her stay lengthens, she begins to see and understand.