Syed Alwi Movies
Malaysian television and stage actor Syed Alwi started his professional training at the University of Minnesota, earning dual degrees in theater arts and journalism. He then worked in journalism for a time before returning to his education at the London Film School. He went back to Malaysia to work in numerous capacities in the entertainment industry of that nation, including producing, directing, teaching, and, of course, performing. Alwi has also written a number of plays and was the recipient of cultural awards from the nations of the United States, Malaysia, Sweden, Australia, France, and Yugoslavia. ~ All Movie Guide
The true story of Anna Leonowens' experiences as a governess to the children of an eccentric Asian king has been adapted into a book of memoirs, a biography, a stage play called Anna and the King of Siam -- which was adapted into a 1946 film, a stage musical called The King and I -- made into both the live-action The King and I (1956)) and the animated The King and I (1999) feature films, and a short-lived 1972 TV series. Now the story is brought to the screen yet again, as Jodie Foster stars as Leonowens, hired by the king of Thailand (Chow Yun-Fat) in the 19th century to help care for his children. The king wants the best for his children, but Anna soon discovers that he is a strong-willed but quixotic leader, and her stay in Thailand becomes a struggle for power with romantic overtones, as they decide who will have authority over the royal youngsters. Anna and the King was directed by Andy Tennant, best known for his 1998 variation on the Cinderella story, Ever After. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jodie Foster, Chow Yun-Fat, (more)
