The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)

Director:

Justin Chadwick

Writers:

Peter Morgan (screenplay)
Philippa Gregory (novel)

Release Date:

29 February 2008 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | History | Romance

Tagline:

The only thing that could come between these sisters... is a kingdom.

Plot:

Two sisters contend for the affection of King Henry VIII.

Plot Keywords:

Beheading | Illegitimate Child | Historical Drama | Uncle | Kent England

Awards:

1 nomination

US Showtimes:

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Cast

Natalie Portman	...	Anne Boleyn
Scarlett Johansson	...	Mary Boleyn
Eric Bana	...	Henry Tudor
Jim Sturgess	...	George Boleyn
Mark Rylance	...	Sir Thomas Boleyn
Kristin Scott Thomas	...	Lady Elizabeth Boleyn
David Morrissey	...	Thomas Howard - Duke of Norfolk
Benedict Cumberbatch	...	William Carey
Oliver Coleman	...	Henry Percy
Ana Torrent	...	Katherine of Aragon
Eddie Redmayne	...	William Stafford
Tom Cox	...	Rider
Michael Smiley	...	Physician
Montserrat Roig de Puig	...	Lady in Waiting
Juno Temple	...	Jane Parker

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for mature thematic elements, sexual content and some violent images.

Runtime:

115 min

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | DTS | SDDS

Certification:

Taiwan:PG-12 | Finland:K-7 | Ireland:15A | Canada:14A (Alberta/British Columbia/Manitoba/Ontario) | Switzerland:12 (canton of Vaud) | Hong Kong:IIA | Australia:M | Philippines:PG-13 (MTRCB) | New Zealand:M | Canada:G (Québec) | Switzerland:12 (canton of Geneva) | Singapore:NC-16 | USA:PG-13 (certificate #43291) | Germany:12 | Netherlands:12 | Brazil:14 | South Korea:15

Filming Locations:

Bath, Somerset, England, UK

Company:

BBC Films

Trivia:

At the outset of their relationship with Henry, the movie characterizes Mary as being innocent and morally upright. Actually, she had spent time in France, was reputed to have had several affairs. One of Henry's reasons for not wanting her except as a consort is that she was regarded as a "whore".

Goofs:

Factual errors: Details of some historical characters and events have been changed to fit the dramatic narrative.

Quotes:

Anne Boleyn: [on Mary's wedding night] You afraid?
Mary Boleyn: A little.
Anne Boleyn: I should be able to tell you how it will be tonight; give you advice on what to do. I failed you as an elder sister.
Mary Boleyn: No one could wish for a better sister.

Movie Connections:

Featured in "Siskel & Ebert & the Movies: (2008-03-01)" (2008)

Don't go expecting accuracy!

Overall, the movie is entertaining. I thought the acting was good, particularly Scarlett Johansson's. The cinematography and editing leave much to be desired, and the entire movie seems rushed. If you have any knowledge of Tudor history,you will recognize the many inaccuracies, but those did not bother me as much as did the fact that important characters were omitted, undeveloped, or even seemingly forgotten (as in the case of Mary's husband, William Carey).

There ARE very affecting characters and scenes, but I left the theatre wishing for MORE. The fascinating lives of these people simply cannot be dealt with in a movie that lasts less than two hours.