The Other Boleyn Girl

Released in 2008,Justin Chadwick's 'The Other Boleyn Girl' has become acclaimed as one of the most seductive historical dramas, becoming the sexier older sister of Pride and Prejudice, and, coming from such an incredibly 'camera friendly' cast, this is not surprising. Based on the novel by popular period author Phillipa Gregory, this film, considering it's less than blockbuster background, is a surprising triumph in the world of book adaptations. Historically based films are typically said to be less of a hit than those of action or rom-com, simply because their audiences are generally smaller, with most of the viewers failing to understand the content, having not studied it at school, however 'The Other Boleyn Girl' on the other hand, feels nothing like a historical film at all.
Yes, a basic knowledge of the marriage between Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII is necessary, but everything else, I found, simply came as a glorious cinematic surprise. Filmed against a series of beautiful locations, the star studded cast is given a plethora of plot lines to get their teeth into, starting with both famed Boleyn sisters; Mary being played by the beautiful Scarlett Johansonn, and Natalie Portman staring as Anne herself, following all the trouble they wreak within Henry VIII's kingdom.
The storyline is a little complex, (most historic timelines usually are), with King Henry (Eric Bana) seemingly playing both girls for very different reasons, however, fear not; this is not a film about the glory and gluttony of historical men, this is very much a female orientated film. Whilst husbands and fathers do play their roles, the girls are definitely running the show, and the depths of their relationship are explored and re-explored as their individual positions in their own family become jarringly tense.
Two of the more overlooked characters in this film, for me, would've been the observantly charming servant Stafford, played by Les Miserables star Eddie Redmayne, and brother to Mary and Anne, George (One Day's Jim Sturgess), both of whom played such identifiable and undeniably sweet men, yet spent such little time on camera it was slightly disappointing. Another side-lined figure would've been Benedict Cumberbatch's character of Mary's first husband William Carey, a man who had a rather heartbreaking role, yet his ending was unexplained and I personally found myself wondering what happened to him in the end, as in the film he was simply brushed to one side.
Despite this, however, the film as a whole was endlessly beautiful, from the costumes and design to the elegantly circular ending. Admittedly, I went into it, having just been sorely disappointed by the early historical drama of 'King Arthur', expecting the worst, and was very pleasantly surprised. I was very impressed with this film, and would definitely like to see it again. Someone send me the DVD please!