Review of The Other Boleyn Girl (2008) by Lee R — 28 Apr 2010

This films biggest flaw is that it takes many an historical liberty to tell the story. Its strongest points would have to be its cast. Natalie Portman gives a great performance as Anne Boleyn, the elder of the Boleyn sisters, as she ruthlessly muscles her way into the court of King Henry VIII.

Her ambition proves her undoing as she goes to great (and pretty icky) lengths to try and provide the King with a male heir and keep her neck off the chopping block (quite literally). Scarlett Johansson is also top quality as Mary, Anne's younger sister.

Eric Bana is good as King Henry (although not as hefty as you imagine him), although given Henry is considered one of Englands greatest and most influential kings, he seems to spend most of this movie simply sulking and taking poor advice from everyone else.

Like I said, if you were to delve into the actual history behind this film, it does kinda make it up as it goes along, but as a 16th century Tudor romp, its entertaining enough.