The Other Boleyn Girl DVD, 2008

A big budget Hollywood treatment of Philippa Gregory's historical novel which gives a fictionalised account of the life of Mary Boleyn - mistress to King Henry VIII before he married her sister, Anne. Set during one of the most dramatic periods in British regal history, the narrative focuses on the relationship and rivalry between the two Boleyn girls and the power game being played by their family in which the sisters are mere pawns. When Mary is ousted in favour of Anne, she leaves the King's Court to marry a commoner, but is compelled to return when her sister embarks on a reckless plan to try and save herself from ruin.

Penned by The Queen screenwriter Peter Morgan and based on the novel by Philippa Gregory, this tells the story of the Boleyn sisters as they vie for the affections of ... more >

Penned by The Queen screenwriter Peter Morgan and based on the novel by Philippa Gregory, this tells the story of the Boleyn sisters as they vie for the affections of Henry VIII. Natalie Portman stars as the doomed Anne, with Scarlett Johansson as her sister, Mary. Kristin Scott Thomas is their mother, Elizabeth, and Eric Bana a brooding, hulking presence as Henry VIII.

In the same vein as Elizabeth: The Golden Age and TV’s The Tudors, this is history told with broad, flourishing brushstrokes rather than the scratches of the academic’s fountain pen. The focus is on the claustrophobia and intrigue of palace life, and the blind ambition that comes to set sister against sister. And how else could Henry VIII’s turbulent married life be brought to life if not through melodrama? With sumptuous sets, sensual costumes and a scenery-chewing performance from Natalie Portman – whose leading lady status (and English accent) is now in full bloom – this is an entertaining historical drama which leaves no bodice unripped. < less

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