The film "Anna and the King", the actors and roles of which are the subject of this review, is one of the most famous among the paintings of the historical genre. The undoubted advantage of the picture is the fact that it reflected the general political situation of the mid-19th century. In addition, the tape is based on autobiographical data, which makes it even more convincing.
History facts in the film
The film "Anna and the King", whose actors played real characters, tells about the difficult conditions in which the state of Siam (Thailand) found itself due to the colonial policy of Western European states in this region. In the era under review, many countries sought to expand their holdings and spread their influence in the Asian regions.
This was strongly opposed by the ruler of the state in which the film "Anna and the King" takes place, the actors and roles of which were selected in exact accordance with each other. Mongkut headed the state for seventeen years, and during that time he made great progress in diplomatic matters to preserve the independence of his country.
Socio-political context in composition
To achieve this goal, the ruler for a long time played on the interests and contradictions of European states, thus delaying the time when his country inevitably had to fall under the dependence of the colonial powers. He concluded treaties with a number of Western European states that temporarily maintained Siam's independence in the international arena. All this diplomatic activity of the ruler is perfectly shown in the film "Anna and the King", whose actors perfectly conveyed the outstanding personalities of their characters.
The plot of the picture
The composition of the movie is surprisingly similar to the novel "Jen Air", which may have provided such popularity. A young teacher who adheres to progressive views, comes to Siam to raise the children and wives of the ruler, who wished his family received a European education. By the way, such a decision was not accidental: before accession to the throne, Mongkut lived and was brought up in a Buddhist monastery, where he studied not only traditional Asian culture, but also showed a deep and serious interest in the history and culture of Europe.
The film "Anna and the King", whose actors perfectly conveyed the psychology of the characters, tells about how difficult it was for a teacher in a foreign country with foreign customs and traditions. However, she shows firmness and dignity, and in dealing with the king seeks the right to respect. Mongkut was struck by the willpower of this fragile woman and was quickly imbued with sympathy for her, which turned out to be mutual. Nevertheless, they part in the end, realizing that with the position of both they will not be able to find common happiness.
Images of heroes
The actors of the film "Anna and the King" (D. Foster, C. Yunfat) perfectly conveyed the psychology and characters. The young teacher has a strong disposition, she can defend her opinion even before the omnipotent Asian ruler. At the same time, this woman is smart, delicate, tactful and educated, knows how to attract people, which deserves the respect not only of the omnipotent Mongkut, but also of all her students. It is significant that the concubine of the ruler trusts her heartfelt secret, and his daughter says goodbye to the heroine before her death.
The film "Anna and the King", the actors of which in many respects ensured the success of the picture, demonstrated the high skill of getting used to the role, turned out great. The performer of the role of the ruler of Siam very expressively conveyed the complex dramatic character of his hero. Smart, decisive, but adamant, he also knows how to value strong personalities and respects courage in others. So, he immediately was imbued with sympathy for the main character, as she also turned out to be an outstanding personality. But, brought up in Eastern traditions, he sometimes commits such acts that remain incomprehensible to a European woman.
For example, he allowed the execution of his slave, despite the fact that deep down he did not want her death. But for the prestige of his power, he remained adamant, and the sentence was carried out. However, the heroes still find a common language and, despite the difference in social status and belonging to different cultural worlds, they finally penetrate each other with sympathy and deep respect.
Supporting characters
The painting pays great attention to the recreation of the atmosphere and atmosphere of the royal court, among the members of which the ruler’s children and wives should be named first. All of them do not immediately understand the European methods of upbringing and education, but the young teacher soon gained universal respect with her responsiveness and authority.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the concubine of King Taptim (in an excellent performance by B. Lin), who, at the risk of her life, decided to flee the palace after her fiancé. Realizing that only Anna will be able to understand her, she confides in her. Subsequently, the teacher tried to stand up for her before the king, but to no avail. Another character that deserves attention is the little son of the ruler, Prince Chouf (the role was played by L.K. Siu), whom the teacher tried to captivate with modern progressive ideas about freedom, equality and human rights. A sensitive and intelligent boy is susceptible to new ideas, which markedly stood out among other students. Noteworthy is the acting game of T. Felton, who played the little son of the heroine. Stands out for his game and R. Dook Kim, who played the role of General Alak.
The meaning of the picture in the cinema
The Oscar nominee in 1999 for the best costumes was the film "Anna and the King." Anna and the King, whose roles were played by Foster and Yunfat, became a landmark in the film industry not only thanks to an interesting storyline, a great play of performers, but largely because of the fact that he introduced the European audience to Thai customs, traditions, culture, history. But in Thailand, the film is banned due to inaccuracies in creating the image of the king of Mongkut, which is very revered in this state. Nevertheless, the picture has by now become a cult and is often shown on television.