the Other Boleyn Girl

Another Touch of Tudors

The Other Boleyn Girl, directed by Justin Chadwick, brought us the different taste of the king of England, Henry VIII, and his Tudors.

The colourful and luxurious drama costumes, complicated court life, sexual intrigues, fast and loose way of depicting English history, altogether dedicate to our audience a fantastic historic and romantic tale.

Yixiang Zeng is willing to share her thoughts with you about this wonderful English drama.

Beloved sister becoming rivalry

The film started with girls’ naivety, laughter, cheerful country life, a wide dance shot beautifully convey the warm and genuine atmosphere.

However, the greedy father Thomas Boleyn ( Mark Rylance ) and their scheming uncle Thomas Howard (David), aim to advance family status and seek royal power.

They instigate both girls Anne (Natalie Portman) and Mary (Scarlett Johansson) to be mistress of broody king Henry VIII (Eric Bana).

Rivalry begins when both of them starting their court life. From that moment, Jealousy, madness, bloodiness, and revenge are circulated between two sisters.

Anne is ambitious, Henry is a philanderer, and Mary, is simple.

Initially, Mary wins Henry’s favour, but Anne, prominently clever and fearless, a girl who is crazy of seeking power; and she will never stop until she becomes Queen of England.

It is so well known that Henry VIII split with Catholic Church in order to marry Anne. Ironically, this madness and controversy also seems to predict her – Anne, the one who is going to get all of their heads chopped off eventually.

History leaves far behind the royal conflicts and idyllic quietness. Ultimately, which of these two sisters had the chief claim on his Majesty’s heart? The innocent Mary, or the ambitious Anne?

What is more apart from rivalry?

Indeed, I am expecting much more than the rivalry between these two sisters from the film.

As an English history outsider, I cannot stop to wonder, what kind of king was Henry VIII? Was he a strong leader? Did the people like him?

Did he get himself involved in politics apart from his fervent interest in women? Was he a puppet?

Then, what about Anne and Mary? How can Mary always maintain such a calm and tolerant attitude towards her sister Anne?

Even during the most difficult time in her life – bearing the king an illegitimate child.

As well, I could not see the clear changes after Anne’s sojourn in south of France, despite in the film everyone was talking about how she had changed.

The funny thing is no picture was given to show the changes were taking place.

The film did not tell us much, or maybe on purposely leave us more spaces to fill our imagination.

The film was released on 7th March 2008, in England.