The two sisters become love rivals as they both become involved with the King (Image: Copyright: 2006 Universal Studios. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)
One of history’s most captivating eras is endlessly revisited through period dramas – whether films, television series or mini-series, there appears to be no shortage of fresh perspectives from which to retell the story of Henry VIII and his six wives.
Several productions have earned their place in this genre’s hall of fame – among them Wolf Hall, The Tudors and The Six Wives of Henry VIII – and one of the most celebrated is now available to stream on Netflix.
This 2008 film tells the story of Mary Boleyn, sister of Anne Boleyn and mistress of her husband, King Henry VIII.
In The Other Boleyn Girl, the lesser-known sister steps into the spotlight as Anne is promised an advantageous marriage in a bid to elevate the family’s standing.
Mary and Anne become ladies-in-waiting to Queen Catherine following the king and queen’s inability to produce a male heir. Before long, seduced by the king, Mary secretly falls pregnant with Henry VIII’s child, while Anne sets her sights firmly on the throne, determined to persuade him to divorce the Queen in order to secure an heir, reports Wales Online.
The remainder of the film follows the three lead characters through heartbreak, divorces, childbirth, betrayal, struggle and the complex machinations of noble life in 16th-century England.
Beyond its compelling narrative, the film features an impressive ensemble cast, with Natalie Portman playing Anne Boleyn, Scarlett Johansson as Mary, Eric Bana taking on the role of Henry VIII, Jim Sturgess as George Boleyn, Sir Mark Rylance as Thomas Boleyn, Benedict Cumberbatch as William Carey, and Eddie Redmayne as William Stafford.
The Other Boleyn Girl grossed over $78 million upon release, nearly double its $35 million production budget.
Eric Bana plays Henry VIII in The Other Boleyn Girl (Image: SUNDAY MIRROR)
On Rotten Tomatoes, the reviews reflect that enthusiasm. One viewer was won over by the performances: “I definitely never expected to like this movie as much as I did. Amazing performances by Johansson and Portman with a really good cast as well. Probably one of the most messed-up and tragic love stories I’ve ever seen.”
Another praised the way the production retells a familiar story with considerable skill: “A regularly told tale. Here it is told well with a great cast delivering performances that are trying to keep pace, given the squeezing of so much into such a relatively short time frame.”
One viewer opted to offer a succinct verdict on the monarch at the heart of the tale, writing: “Lustful king makes things harder than they need to be.”
Ultimately, much of the acclaim was directed at the two leading actresses, with one reviewer concluding: “Very good acting from both Portman and Johanssen. An overall good watch.”
Watch The Other Boleyn Girl now on Netflix.
