Talk about a twisted movie! The Other Boleyn Girl (released in February 2008) is a compelling film thanks to the twists and turns of each scene and to the beautiful design work of the costumes. This is a terrific historical romance film (held in Tudor England) that displays the story of Henry VIII and the two Boleyn sisters, Anne and Mary. The film is based upon the novel by Philippa Gregory. I’d also like to add that my husband did not start watching this with me, but ended up being sucked into the movie! So hopefully this is something that both genders can enjoy.
Natalie Portman (Anne) and Scarlett Johansson (Mary) perform flawlessly as two sisters who both love and hate each other as they are summoned to serve on the court for King Henry (Eric Bana). The movie portrays the the social roles and degrading limitations on women during that era. The two sisters are basically “pimped” to hopefully give Henry his ever-so-precious male heir. Henry doesn’t help the situation out as he is basically the “King of the Man Sluts” and makes love to and dumps whomever he pleases. As the two women fall for the King, the sisterly rivalry comes out and the characters really start to develop. The story takes a surprising twist as Anne becomes the woman with the power and lust, however, her reign does not last long. As she is desperate to hold her own, she is willing to do whatever it takes to hang onto her need for power and love. The film ends with some sick and twisted ending that no one saw coming.
This movie was highly entertaining to watch. I thoroughly enjoyed the costumes and poetic language that was portrayed. I found myself love-hating the characters all at once and I found myself devilishly enjoying the story plot. I would give this movie a solid 3, as it is a powerful movie with solid acting. This movie is charged with emotion, sex, greed, power, and gender issues of its time. Most importantly it is a reminder of one of the greatest of England’s legacy, Anne Boleyn and her relationship with Henry VIII, who created the future ruler of England (Elizabeth I), and who I will also point out, is a woman.
