The Other Boleyn Girl

If you like period films about life "at court" in the 1500s, you may like this one. If you like torturous family dramas, you may also like this one. If you like both, you are in for a treat.

Based somewhat in fact and reality, this story is dark, brutish, and short, much like life itself was in those days. The acting here is just this side of over the top, but I suppose one wants that in a romantic drama.

Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson play the two Boleyn sisters who are talked into seducing King Henry VIII to gain the family added prestige and power "at court" by their father and Uncle. Both girls are temporarily successful, and both produce a female heir to the throne.

The drama revolves around the alleged competition between the sisters and the scheming of other family members. It is a good story, but one that most folks may find a little difficult to relate to, depending on one's background and culture. No doubt things like this still happen today.

The story itself is well told. The costumes are great and the music is enjoyable. Eric Bana does a pretty good job or portraying the well-known monarch.

Watch this movie with someone who will understand that nobody wins in this story.