MM Film Blog

Phillipa Gregory's novel receives its second film treatment with The Other Boleyn Girl, the first being a TV movie in 2003. A strong cast, stunning costumes, and juicy drama make this film very entertaining, even if not historically accurate. It is after all based on a novel, and does not claim to be biographical.

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Natalie Portman sinks her teeth into the role of Anne Boleyn (second wife of King Henry VIII and mother of Queen Elizabeth I), in a role that would make any daytime drama villainess jealous. Scarlett Johansson brings that same wide-eyed innocence from Girl with a Pearl Earring to the role of Mary Boleyn, Anne's sister. Though in this case, she weaves in a layer of complexity as she tries to balance her own desires with trying to please all of the members of her family. Kristin Scott Thomas shines as the wise mother who must sublimate her own wisdom in deference to her husband, Sir Thomas Boleyn (Mark Rylance) and brother, the Duke of Norfolk (David Morrissey). Eric Bana does a nice job displaying both the tender and temperamental sides of King Henry VIII, though the film portrays him as somewhat of a super-stud. Jim Sturgess gives a sensitive portrayal as Anne and Mary's brother George. (Viewers may remember him as the Liverpudlian character Jude in the recent film, Across the Universe.)

Peter Morgan's screenplay, based on Ms. Gregory's novel, paints a largely one-dimensional portrait of Anne Boleyn as a self-serving, ambitious opportunist who will let nothing stand in her way in her quest to become Queen. Though it makes for good drama, it does a disservice to the real Anne Boleyn, who is generally well regarded by historians.

Justin Chadwick's direction keeps things taut and interesting. Though there is no sense of time passing, or of anything happening at court other than the love affairs between King Henry and the two Boleyn sisters, despite the fact that it takes place during a time of great reformation for England. Sandy Powell's costumes are magnificent, and significantly add to the beauty of the film.

All in all, a very enjoyable drama about well-known historical figures.

MM Rating - * * * *