Dramatic period piece or overly elaborate soap opera? This seems to be the question at the heart of the new-to-dvd release, “The Other Boleyn Girl.” Actually, the film is both, mixing lush costuming and stiff, period-appropriate performances with a subtly seductive plot revolving around royal philandering and politics in the court of King Henry VIII. “The Other Boleyn Girl” portrays itself as the historical account of Anne and Mary Boleyn, two sisters who find themselves inexorably entwined in the political games of the Tudor court. In actuality, little of real history is shown here. What is shown, however, is a tale of intrigue and betrayal fit for an actual court. Natalie Portman and Scarlet Johansson, as Anne and Mary Boleyn, respectively, are superb in their roles as the rivaling sisters, each hoping to obtain the heart of King Henry VIII. Henry is played by Eric Bana, who in this role attempts to make up for what he put us all through in “Hulk.” He is able to make amends quite well, stepping into Henry’s royal shoes believably. This film is not a typical period piece, which leaves much of the plot unsaid and open for interpretation. Instead, the meanings are made clear. The English court is shown as a dangerous place where a thin line separates sex and politics, and women were often used as bait by families hoping to rise higher within the royal court. While the film is at times slow moving, the overall payout is well worth t ...
Anytime
