Henry VIII fans will not be disappointed in the fantastic yet unorthodox film from Phillipa Lawthorpe. Based on the book by Phillipa Gregory, the other Boleyn girl stars Natascha McElhelone as Mary Boleyn, the eldest sister of George and Anne Boleyn. Returning to court a newly and happily married woman the beautifully Mary soon catches the attention of the womanising King (Jared Harris). Pushed into his bed by her conniving and scheming family Mary sinks into a depression as her marriage begins to founder and she begins to grow strong feelings of affection for the king. When Mary falls pregnant the Boleyn family panic as they realise the power and influence other presently hold over the king will desert them should her find love with another. They scheme with their son George (Steven Mackintosh) a close confident and courtier of the King to introduce him to the equally beautiful but less quiet Anne (Jodhi May). Anne however has no desire to become the Kings mistress and be discarded just like her sister but as Henrys passion for Anne grows his feelings for Mary disappears and he drops her along with her newborn son. With Mary gone and with his marriage increasingly ever failing Anne makes the King realise that she can give him the son he desires and be the wife he has not had. But as the royal divorce looms and Mary returns to court to attend to her sister, who herself is waiting to marry the King, trouble is brewing that threatens her plans and puts them into jeopardy. Against the wishes of his people and ministers Henry and Anne marry amidst a storm of public disapproval and hatred but again only a daughter is born of their union. The Boleyns observe that the king is fast losing interest in Anne and learns her life is at stake and the King begins to find affection in the young and pretty Jane Seymour. A terrified Anne and the family go to extreme measure s to bear the king a son and to save her head. This film portrays Henry not as a vicious tyrant but as a lovesick child who seems desperate to find the right woman rather then gain a son. Although Anne Boleyn was charged with treason and incest along with her brother George these charges were always considered trumped up but Lowthorpe offers a different insight suggesting Anne made love to her brother and in time he made her pregnant. Rich in history accuracies this film is a must see for all Tudor history lovers.
Review of The Other Boleyn Girl
