Anna and the King
14 quotes
Biography
"She was the first English woman I had ever met. And it seemed to me she knew more about the world than anyone. But it was a world Siam was afraid would consume them. The monsoon winds had whispered her arrival like a coming storm. Some welcomed the rain, but others feared a raging flood. Still she came, unaware of the suspicion that preceded her. But it wasn't until years later, that I began to appreciate how brave she was, and how alone she must have felt. An English woman. The first I had ever met."
"I was only a boy, but the image of my father holding the woman he loved for the last time has remained with me throughout the years."
"It is always surprising how small a part of life is taken up by meaningful moments. Most often they are over before they start, although they cast a light on the future and make the person who originated them unforgettable. Anna had shined such a light on Siam."
"In my letter confirming my employment, Your Majesty, you claimed you wanted Siam to take its place among the nations of the modern world. You spoke of building something greater than yourself. A country where no man is above the law. Which is why I chose to come here."
"[to King Mongkut] Life is... precious, especially if you're a Christian and only allowed to have one."
"Most people do not see the world as it is. They see it as they are."
"Everyone should have legends. It allows us to dream."
"[to Anna] When a woman who has much to say says nothing, her silence can be deafening."
"Chow Yun-Fat - King Mongkut"
"Randall Duk Kim - General Alak"
"Kay Siu Lim - Prince Chaofa, King Mongkut's Brother"
"Shantini Venugopal - the nanny"
"Goh Yi Wai - Mongkut's daughter"