Ruthless Rivalry And The Crown || Review Of The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)

in #hive-1217443 days ago

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If there's one historical drama that raises my hackles, it's the story of Henry VIII, king of England, and his infamous six marriages rife with drama and scandals. I'm not judging but there must be people in history who married more times than this notable king without all the drama. When I think about it, I'm grateful that I don't live in that era.

Being a subject of countless books and films, I came to know about this king when I watched all three seasons of The Tudors and I disliked him thoroughly. However, I was captivated by Anne Boleyn impressively portrayed by Natalie Dormer.

I've had The Other Boleyn Girl (2008) on my watchlist for a while now and in the New Year holiday, I finally got to watch and compare Natalie Portman's portrayal of Anne Boleyn with Natalie Dormer's in The Tudors. Scarlett Johansson's presence on the cast of this film is a plus.

Based on Philippa Gregory’s novel of the same title, the film focuses on two sisters—Anne and Mary Boleyn—who are best friends but forced to compete for the love of the king.

Subjected to the whims of a weak-willed father and ambitious uncle who desperately want the king's favour, the sisters are brought to court and paraded before the king. Anne wants the king but it's Mary, newly wedded, who gets the king's attention. No one dares to say no to the king.

Once Mary becomes pregnant with Henry's child, his wandering eyes shift to Anne. However, she isn't making it easy for him. The king becomes desperate and makes drastic decisions to satisfy his desire. The two sisters fight for the great prize—the love of the king of England. Who will win this battle? At what cost to the whole of England and their family?



Review

This film is even-paced and enjoyable. While the scriptwriters take some liberties with historical accuracy, the plot is intriguing and entertaining. Unlike The Tudors where Anne Boleyn (played by Natalie Dormer) is the centre of attention, this film takes Mary Boleyn out of historical shadows to dominate this narrative. She's no longer a footnote in history but placed on a pedestal, allowing the audience to meet the ‘other’ Boleyn girl.

Apart from the themes of love, rivalry, and ambition portrayed in this film, the subtle themes of persuasion and manipulation stand out for me. King Henry VIII is revealed to be powerful, getting whatever and whoever he wants. He wants Mary and quickly manipulates her into falling in love with him with a compliment. Her shocked reaction makes it easy for him to play on her insecurities, telling her he knows what it's like to be a ‘second child’ who doesn't get attention or compliments. Next, Mary is in his arms and bed. The naivety she expresses is convincing and the consequences that follow are not surprising but devastating.


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The actors play their roles excellently. Eric Bana is impressive as an imposing king. I particularly liked Natalie Portman's portrayal of Anne Boleyn as the cunning, know-it-all sister whose action drags the Boleyn family into problems. If you're familiar with this history, you know how it ends for her. While her acting is commendable, I still prefer Natalie Dormer's portrayal of Anne Boleyn. Her performance will be forever ingrained in my memory!

Scarlett Johansson is simply adorable in this film. She embodies Mary perfectly as the naive, gentle sister who is easily overlooked but turns out to be the smart one. Mark Rylance who plays Thomas Boleyn, the father of the sisters, portrays a weak-willed and almost cowardly man who has no firm control of his family. He dances to the tune of the uncle, Duke of Norfolk, and that was annoying for me.

After seeing this film, you might think Anne is the villain but she's not. These young ladies are subjected to the whims of their ambitious patriarchs and served up as pawns for the king to do with as he pleased. Anne may seem like a cunning character but she's merely doing what it takes to survive in such a treacherous court. King Henry VIII and Duke of Norfolk are the villains in this story.

Overall, this film is a fine historical drama worth watching if you enjoy this genre or are an anglophile. It doesn't confine itself to one genre but incorporates historical, political drama and romance.

The visuals and pacing are smooth and enjoyable. Their costumes are not particularly interesting especially when compared to other historical dramas I've seen. I'd give it 2.8 stars out of 5.

Thank you for visiting my blog.

Image source, fair use
Other images are screenshots from the movie

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Thank you. ✨

Hmm interesting movie!
It's been a while I saw a series of this kind since Bridgeton. I'll check this one out, I'm actually curious to know who and how one of them wins the king's love.
Nice review.

Thanks! Bridgerton is more like a modernised version of an English historical drama. In contrast, this film takes us back to 1509 called the Tudor period when Henry VIII ruled England as king. You'll be surprised by who wins the king's love. I hope you watch it soon.

Wow that piqued my interest more, 1509 is a long time ago. Will check it out.

I believe I saw both films, but it's been a while. I'm not an Anglophile, but I do enjoy historical fiction. I love history (my undergraduate degree was actually in history). I think you are absolutely correct when you explain these women had no choice. They were pawns. Anne tried to be an intelligent pawn, but there is no fighting the power of an absolute monarch. It was like Henry was the epicenter of danger. It was hard to tell from one moment to another what whim would take someone's head, or make someone's fortune.

A great review, @kemmyb, likely to arouse interest in the film.

Happy New Year, once again :)

You're right about Anne. Her schemes and ambition couldn't stand against Henry's unpredictable whims and that was her undoing. His word was law, shaping people's lives and that's a very dangerous thing!

I enjoy historical fiction too and appreciate your perspective on this. Thanks so much for your visit and support. ✨

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