It is 1862 in Siam when an English widow Anna Leonowens and her young son arrive at the Royal Palace in Bangkok having been summoned by the King to serve as tutor to his many children and wives. The King is largely considered to be a "barbarian" by those in the West and he seeks Anna's assistance in changing his image if not his ways. With both keeping a firm grip on their respective traditions and values Anna and the King grow to understand and respect one another in a truly unique love story.