I thought I had only watched part of this film when I was a child because I could only remember the school scene when they sing “Getting to Know You.” Now I wonder if I actually watched the whole thing and only remembered that part. It is definitely the best of the songs, most of which are slow ballad solos. The best part of the film is the gorgeous Thai version of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” itself a small film. The movie is lavish – the art direction, costuming, and production are top notch. I just couldn’t get over the Western arrogance of the film. No wonder Thailand banned it. I could get over the fact that that the closest the main Siamese actors get to being Asian is Yul Brynner being Russian-born. But I couldn’t get over how the repeatedly made the King of Siam so foolish, like the stereotypical country cousin. They repeatedly state how learned he is, but then make all of his intelligence and wittiness stem from something Anna spoon-fed him. Brynner is still electrifying as the King, and the film has some very funny moments, but the imperialist theme even overwhelmed the women’s lib theme of the story.