Historic drama set on Tudor time about ambition, love and power

Rating: 6/10 (8 June 2009)

This costumer is correctly based on historical happenings. These are the following : Catherine of Aragon(Ana Torrent) married to Arthur, Henry VIII's(Eric Bana) older brother. Arthur died six months later and Catherine then married Henry. Twenty-four years later, Henry secretly married Anne Boleyn(Natalie Portman), Henry had already had an affair with Anne Boleyn's sister(Scarlette Johansson) and the marriage did not last long. Henry annulled his marriage to Catherine on the basis that she had been previously married to his brother Arthur, and that the marriage was therefore invalid. Pope Clement VII refuse sanction Henry's marriage to Anne and excommunicated the English king in 1534, then Thomas Cranmer(Wallis) sanctioned Henry's marriage. But his concern to produce a male heir brought out the worst in him and Anne was discarded. She was accused of adultery with her brother George(Sturgess) and four commoners. Thomas Howard(David Morrissey) acquiesced at the execution of his niece, Anne Boleyn, but subsequently lost Henry's favour and was condemned to death. Anne was beheaded in May 1536. Eleven days later, Henry married Jane Seymour(Galloway),but even the birth of Edward was overshadowed by tragedy. Jane Seymour died twelve days after giving birth to a son, later Edward VI.
This is a good costume-drama inspired on real events. The film relies heavily on the relationship between the Boleyn sisters , well acted by Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson. Nice drama with top notch performances, trio starring does triumphant characterizations. Splendid support cast , such as Mark Rylance as the ambitious father Thomas Boleyn, Kristin Scott Thomas as Lady Elizabeth and David Morrissey as intriguing Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfork. Lush and elegant gowns by the expert Sandy Powell. Sensational production design shot on location with breathtaking outdoors and impressive palaces. Evocative musical score and atmospheric cinematography fitting to Renaissance time. The motion picture is professionally directed by Justin Chadwick, though contains some flaws and gaps. This story is a rich pageant of historical events for history lovers and dramatic deeds enthusiastic . Rating : Good and well worth watching.