Now here is a movie that will leave you in a funk. It’s surprising that one could be left depressed after The Other Boleyn Girl. After all, it is rather obvious what the outcome will be – it’s about Anne Boleyn.

The movie revolves around two sisters who become rivals over the affections of a king. The older Anne Boleyn (Natalie Portman) is beckoned to win the admiration of King Henry VIII of England (Eric
Bana) by her insane family, who is trying to gain power and wealth through the girls.

When King Henry arrives at the Boleyn estate he is awestruck by the already married Mary Boleyn (Scarlett Johansson).
Throughout the movie the only two members of the family to show any signs of normalcy are the mother and, on occasion, Mary.

Drama escalates from the introduction of the King to the girls, throwing the sisters into a bitter battle over the historical English monarch. One sister is vying for love while the other is simply out for the title and winnings. Together the girls create a toxic mix eventually leading to the tragic finale.

The movie, based on the 2002 best-selling novel by Philippa Gregory, may not be entirely historical. It seems the real version may not have been so twisted and interesting – not exactly movie material.

The movie, from star to finish, was unnecessarily dark. There is no arguing that the end of the story is rather dismal, however, the beginning is not and there was no need to make the movie so daunting
in its opening. It’s no cinematographic masterpiece, nor is the directing anything remarkable; the movie takes place inside the King’s palace. As a result, it is a visually boring and ominous movie.

Thankfully, the acting is the savior in this film. Portman portrays the tormented second wife of King Henry VIII flawlessly. In the second half of the movie, as the plot plummets toward the fatal swing of the sword, Portman’s enactment of Boleyn’s frantic state in producing an heir and preparation for her inevitable fate is precise. Alongside Portman, Johansson is not as stunning in acting as she is in looks, but she quietly brings to life a girl lost to history.

If a movie lacking a happy ending and historical value is what you’re looking for, then by all means go see The Other Boleyn Girl. However, all in all it’s not so fabulous. It promises to leave you feeling glum and curious about the real Boleyn story.