
The Other Boleyn Girl
2008, History/Drama, 1h 55m
148 Reviews 100,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Though it features some extravagant and entertaining moments, The Other Boleyn Girl feels more like a soap opera than historical drama. Read critic reviews
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Where to watch
The Other Boleyn Girl Photos
Movie Info
King Henry VIII (Eric Bana) lacks an heir. Seeing this as an opportunity for personal gain, the Duke of Norfolk (David Morrissey) and Sir Thomas Boleyn (Mark Rylance) persuade Thomas' daughter Anne (Natalie Portman) to seduce the king. But Henry falls in love with Anne's sister, Mary (Scarlett Johansson), instead. When Mary becomes pregnant, she's confined to bed, with charged with Anne keeping the king from straying -- but the plan backfires when Anne seeks the king's affections for herself.
Cast & Crew
Natalie Portman
Anne Boleyn
Anne Boleyn
Scarlett Johansson
Mary Boleyn
Mary Boleyn
Eric Bana
King Henry VIII
King Henry VIII
Kristin Scott Thomas
Lady Elizabeth
Lady Elizabeth
Mark Rylance
Sir Thomas Boleyn
Sir Thomas Boleyn
David Morrissey
Duke of Norfolk
Duke of Norfolk
Critic Reviews for The Other Boleyn Girl
Audience Reviews for The Other Boleyn Girl
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Jun 22, 2013A powerful dramatic thriller, The Other Boleyn Girl is a brilliant period piece about a fascinating chapter of history that forever altered the course of England. Based on a novel, the story follows the Boleyn sisters (Anne and Mary) who are tasked with winning the favor of King Henry VIII during a time of political turmoil in the English court. Starring Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, and Eric Bana, the cast is quite impressive and delivers excellent performances; especially Portman, who has incredible charisma. The writing is also remarkably good, particularly in building tension and intrigue. Additionally, the costumes are exceptionally well-crafted and are given exquisite detail. The musical score is equally as ambitious, and brings a passion and grandeur to the film. The Other Boleyn Girl is extraordinarily captivating and artfully crafted.Dann M Super Reviewer
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Nov 23, 2011It's a movie with a drama that feels bad as soap opera, although it has some good performances can not be better.Rodrigo R Super Reviewer
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Apr 03, 2011natalie portman pefection <3Andreia C Super Reviewer
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Sep 21, 2010My first viewing of the trailer told me this was going to be pretty to look at, but a failure. The book is better by far. This adaptation fell far short of its lofty goal of making a costume drama seem racy and mainstream. A fine cast, with fine costuming and locations, its actors and actresses can't overcome a lackluster script, and predictable setups. While it points out some interesting historical vignettes of the two girls' lives, I felt nothing but contempt for the entire family by the end. Maybe I would if I really knew what went on then, I don't know. My problems with this film are legion: The lead actresses probably ought to have donned wigs and switched roles. Johansen was boring as the nicer sister and the ambitious Anne (Natalie Portman) couldn't hook a flounder with the lines she was given to recite, and Portman is a good actress. Eric Bana provides the swoon-worthy element for the female audience, but he's simply moved around like a chess piece in this contrived plot. If you want trashy sex in this era, you might as well watch the ridiculous Tudors series instead. As for any kind of understanding of intrigue in the court, it's soap opera style at best. It could have been good, but it wasn't.Mark K Super Reviewer
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