Movie Review: The Other Boleyn Girl

While Henry worries about the future a wealthy family in the country has their own personal agenda for greatness. Members of the Boleyn clan are up to their neck in social climbing. Elders of the family believe either of the two Boleyn girls could help Henry out of his current dilemma while enriching their coffers. Social standing means everything to these aristocrats so an elaborate matchmaking scenario unfolds.

Originally it’s Anne Boleyn who is supposed to fall for Henry, and vice versa. Strong-willed Anne is full of spunk but it’s her younger sister Mary who winds up with the catch of a lifetime. Left in the wings is their brother George who watches the soap opera unfold along with the older generation.

Once inside the royal court things get even more convoluted as births, deaths, infidelity and good old-fashioned jealousy come into play in this drama that features sparring sisters, a less than generous monarch and lots of backstabbing.

Cast as the hot looking seductive sisters are Scarlett Johansson (The Prestige) and Natalie Portman (Closer). Look for Ms. Portman to easily bag an Oscar nomination for her work here, as will the costume designer. Shot on location throughout England in real castles The Other Boleyn Girl has a gorgeous look to it. Man of the hour Henry gets the royal assent under the stern hand of Eric Bana (Munich) with others in the entourage highly effective in communicating a sense of prestige and circumstance.

Lots of room for family conflict, political recriminations and a sense of power permeate throughout this 115 minute saga that will leave onlookers mesmerized.

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