The Other Boleyn Girl [2003] (DVD)

I do generally find costume dramas to be a bit dodgy and just generally quite boring a lot of the time. Based on the 2001 novel of the same name by Philippa Gregory, I'm not particularly convinced by this effort, even though it does boast a rather stellar cast and there are some good scenes throughout. This is a film that unabashedly sexes up the actual history document of the events it depicts, and as an artistic choice rather than through sheer laziness, I do almost admire this more, but the film just isn't compelling enough still. The film examines the one-time affair of Mary Boleyn with King Henry VIII, while he was married to her sister (who was later ...  Read the complete review

As a BBC adaptation you expect good costumes, casting and script. This edition may leave you a little disappointed. Although it is a faitful account of the book there is something missing, perhaps it is a little short and would have worked well as a mini-series. It is definately worth watching, if you enjoyed the book, the film or the tudors it is something else to add to the collection but it is not the best BBC adaptation I have ever seen. The story accounts the reign of Henry VIII whilst married to Anne Boleyn but the account is from Anne's sister's persepctive. She was Henry's mistress and mother of his children, including the son. It accounts ...  Read the complete review

This drama was shown in two parts on BBC several years ago and was finally released on DVD in Summer 2008. Having enjoyed the drama and the book it was based on added to the fact this cost less than £5 I decided to buy myself a copy. The film is based on the book of the same name by Phillipa Gregory. And focusses on Mary Boleyn, Anne Boleyn's sister and her rival for Henry VIII's affections. It starts with her being set up as the King's lover, through the rivalry between the two sisters and then through to the end of Anne Boleyn's time as Queen. The drama stars Natasha McElhone as Mary Boleyn, Jodhi May as Anne Boleyn, Jared Harris as Henry, ...  Read the complete review