This is the fourth movie version of the story of Anna Leonowens (Jodie Foster), a Welsh widow who was hired in 1862 to teach the 58 children of the King of Siam (Chow Yun Fat). It is also perhaps the most faithful to her memoirs and the only version so far to use an Asian actor in the role of the King. The film- makers have also added a lot of action, with invasions of Siam by British-controlled Burma, treason in the palace, and some pretty nasty execution scenes. However, I can't help finding the theme of the proper British lady in her culture clash with the "exotic" customs of the Siamese court tired and I'm not surprised that it was filmed in Malaysia after Thai authorities refused permission, due to what they claim are historical inaccuracies.
Nonetheless, the film is visually stunning with the costumes being particularly sumptuous. The socially impossible romance between the King and the governess is played down in this version, which deals instead with issues like the inferior place given to women, the harsh justice system, and the violent politics of the region. Although it really is too long, Anna and the King is worth watching just for its value as spectacle.