8 Apr 2008

The Other Boleyn Girl

Director: Justin Chadwick

Starring: Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, Eric Bana, Kristin Scott Thomas, Mark Rylance, David Morrissey

Release: 2008-04-08

Two of Hollywood's most talented and glamorous starlets Scarlett Johansson and Natalie Portman come together in this exquisite-looking period production of two sisters vying for the heart of the same man.

Based on a bestselling novel by Phillipa Gregory, the story takes place in 16th-century England where King Henry VIII (Eric Bana) is unable to produce a male heir to his throne with his wife (Ana Torrent). His scheming minders suggest he takes on a concubine, pushing him towards the lovely Boleyn sisters, daughters of a nobleman.

While at first he is attracted to the defiant dark-haired Anne (Natalie), he gradually falls in love with gentler light-haired sister Mary (Scarlett) and takes her as a consort. But Anne is not to be outdone. She has every intention of seducing him and getting him into her bed...

Now if you have a weakness for political chicanery, period costumes and films like Dangerous Liaisons and Elizabeth, then The Other Boleyn Girl is perfect for you. The production design is simply opulent, while the performances by the two lead actresses are excellent. Natalie Portman, in particular, proves once again that there is no film she could not carry on her slender shoulders.

Lavish, lusty and very entertaining.