The Other Boleyn Girl DVD: Review By Shelley

THE CAST:

A good many actors were involved in this film, but the main players are Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, Eric Bana, Jim Sturgess, Mark Rylance, Kristin Scott Thomas and David Morrissey.

Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson were absolutely outstanding in this film. Both should have been recognized for their performances but unfortunately they were not. Eric Bana and Kristin Scott Thomas are also commendable in this movie.

DIRECTION, CINEMATOGRAPHY AND SPECIAL EFFECTS:

The Other Boleyn Girl is a beautiful film filled with gorgeous costumes and sets. It was filmed and edited perfectly. The music is so well done that you do not even remember it. Music is supposed to take a backseat to what is happening and in this film it most certainly does. It is not obtrusive and improves the film rather than distracting from it.

The director, Justin Chadwick, did an outstanding job and amazingly only directed television prior to this film.

THE GOOD:

When this film first begins it almost seems as if it will be another boring book adaptation, but after the first 30 minutes it becomes an engrossing story of love, betrayal, jealousy, sisters, family dynamics and social standing. It was so well written and photographed you hate to even pause it.

THE BAD:

The only thing about the film that was not great, was the way some scenes lingered too long while others seemed rushed. I would not necessarily call this bad pacing; it is more of an importance issue. What I think was an important scene may not be to someone else.

THE STORY (may contain spoilers):

This is the story of Anne and Mary Boleyn who because of their family’s ambition are placed in a situation where they are competing for the attention of King. Will one of them win the King’s heart? Will he be able to exile his wife for not producing a male heir to the throne? Will the competition and betrayal destroy their family?

EXTRAS:

Standard DVD

Deleted and extended scenes

"Translating History to the Screen" - Featurette on bringing the actual historical story and bestselling novel to life

"To Be a Lady" Featurette on the life of a lady & court etiquette in 16th century England

Members of the Court Biographies: Go in depth and explore the real lives of Anne Boleyn, King Henry VIII and others

REPLAY VALUE:

This was hard to gauge for this film because it is the type you have to be in the mood for. I do not think it is one that you would just watch once, but not over and over, so I guess it would have to be about average replay value.

BOTTOM LINE:

This is really not the kind of movie I typically watch, but the previews looked interesting and I liked the cast, so I decided to give it a shot. I am glad I did because it was a lot better than I thought it was going to be. From the previews I assumed it was just another romance based on history, but in actuality it has nothing to do with romance. It is not a ‘chick flick’ both because it can be enjoyed by anyone and it is emotional as well as complex. I recommend this film not because of its historical accuracy (as with most Hollywood historical depictions, it is only loosely based on history) but because it is a well made film. It does make you want to read about history and what actually did happen though.

Thanks for reading.