The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)

A defining moment of European history plays out as the Boleyn sisters, Anne (Natalie Portman) and Mary (Scarlett Johansson), compete for the love of the handsome womanizer King Henry VIII (Eric Bana). Driven by their father and uncle's ambition, the two girls are used as pawns in the quest for ultimate power and wealth. Kind and meek, Mary catches the king's eye at first; but when Anne storms the court, King Henry will stop at nothing to have her. Ultimately, the two Boleyn sisters are perhaps the most polarizing figures of the day.

The Other Boleyn Girl is a luscious drama of historical faction-- inaccuracies are rampant. An adaptation of the novel by Philippa Gregory, director Justin Chatwick does a decent job of condensing 15 years of Henry VIII reign into two hours, but history scholars be warned--this is not Anne of a Thousand Days. This film blends some facts with a healthy portion of fiction to create a delicious tale of seduction, manipulation, jealousy and revenge.

The cast is superb. Natalie Portman is stunning as she commands the court and the audience as Anne. Portman is exceptional; she presents Anne Boleyn as both intelligent and sly. Scarlett Johansson hold her own as the older, more mature sister, but pales alongside Portman. Eric Bana {who's I'm rather indifferent to} is quite the charmer as Henry VIII. The supporting cast is a solid group. Kristen Scott Thomas, Mark Rylance and Jim Sturgess are the immediate Boleyn family, but uncle Thomas Howard--Duke of Norfolk--is a piece. David Morrissey is vile, plotting and despicable as he trades woman without regard. Ana Torrent as Henry's first wife, Katherine of Aragon is strong foil to Portman and Johansson.

The opulent production is wonderful to look at. The film is layered with a stunning richness. Brocades, jewels and tapestries leap off the screen. The costuming and settings are remarkable. The castle is some of the best CGI I've seen this year. The screenplay is perhaps the film's one weakness. The plot meanders and doesn't solidly tie up all the events. All is forgiven because of such strong portrayals by Portman, Bana and Morrissey.

The Other Boleyn Girl is an gorgeous period drama that succeeds thanks to spot-on, intelligent performances and beautiful production. The film is sure to become a guilty pleasure.