"The Other Boleyn Girl" is one of those movies everyone will like one way or another. It has the historical appeal, lush sets and costumes, an all-star cast and a wonderfully evil plot. What strikes me most about this movie is how the conflicts and plights of these characters still exist today, and to a great extent. It is a very watchable, yet moody film, the one I am sure I will watch again.
The semi-true story centers on two sisters, Anne and Mary Boleyn. Mary (Scarlett Johansson), although she is younger, gets married first and settles into the country lifestyle she is fond of. This leaves Anne (Natalie Portman) eligible to become King Henry's (Eric Bana) mistress, but once he arrives to the country, he falls for Mary rather than Anne. Much to the disapproval of their mother (Kristin Scott Thomas), their father and uncle ship them off to the court of England, where Mary is to become King's mistress, despite her marriage. However, Anne is the head-strong sister who won't be happy until she has made a life for herself, and from then on, the sisters combat each other, the King's wife and fatal ambitions.
Although Bana and Johansson give satisfactory performances, it is Portman who is the heart and soul of this movie. Her portrayal of the woman who is responsible for the English Reformation is both seductive and profound. Also, Kieran McGuigan's cinematography is wonderful, and kudos to Peter Morgan, whose screenplay captures the time and place wonderfully. "The Other Boleyn Girl" is a wonderful, engaging movie you will love.