The plot may have similarities, but the extreme liberties taken here bury the beauty of this story in a mire of spiritual counterfeits, absurd characters and lifeless laugh lines. He tries to use her against the King, but to no avail. Her relationship with the King begins adversarially, but gradually improves and the two eventually fall in love. The King learns that to be a great king he must learn to be kind and compassionate. Anna teaches the children the value of respect and being nice.
Love is presented as more important than wealth or power.
The film opens with him conjuring a dragon which attacks the boat bringing Anna to Siam. Later, he summons other snakes and beasts in the jungle to frighten and chase his foes. The King makes a huge display of praying to Buddah. He bows, prostrate on the floor before a large statue of the god and insists that Anna do so as well. Dancing and kissing are presented strictly in a romantic manner.