Captivating Movie with Lots of Surprising Merits

Rating: 8/10 (31 August 2008)

Although British history has been brought to screen in several memorable productions, there has been a shortage of some historical periods on screen, periods which are very interesting and which could constitute nice bases for a wonderfully entertaining movie. These feelings of lack had been rising in me until I went to see this latest movie by Justin Chadwick, THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL the content of which is set in the infamous period of Henry VIII's reign. And let me make myself clear at the beginning: I did not go to see it because of young starlets, neither Natalie Portman nor Scarlett Johansson. I went to see it as a genre buff being interested in two supreme factors: historical period being executed and its artistic features. What were my impressions?
I was stunned by beautiful cinematography, a very accurate mood of the times, impressive wardrobe and particularly lavish sets. This movie proves the fact that they can really make wonderful movies these days, too. Together with the action and strong storyline, the director did not forget that historical movies need to contain some grandeur which, like nothing else, stir our imagination of the days of yore. There are lots of scenes in THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL that leave you breathless. Let me mention, for instance, the beautifully shot scene of hunting during the king's first visit at Boleyn family's. Katherine of Aaragon's trial is also filmed memorably with managed pace and unforgettable atmosphere. The execution of Anne Boleyn contains unforgettable moments. Therefore, I think that this movie truly provides a viewer with an accurate image of the period. However, that is not all I would like to praise about the film since the merits of the film went beyond my expectations, beyond my factors.
What surprised me a lot were the performances. As I mentioned at the beginning, I am not a fan of new actresses who play the main roles but I must admit that both Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson do pretty good jobs in their portrayals. Ms Portman depicts the very psychological complications of her character changing from a shy girl into a wicked mistress of the king to whom love matters only when supplied with power and position. It is her who finally changes into a suffering victim. Scarlet Johansson memorably portrays her character's goodness of heart, simplicity and straightforward attitude towards people and their feelings. She is easily identified with and appears to be extremely appealing to tender people. As far as supporting cast are concerned, Eric Bana depicts the king really well providing us with the insight into desire which affects all the rest. In a memorable scene, we see him kneeling down in a chapel behind Anne and lustfully looking at her neck. His decision to tear apart from anything that should have meant much to a noble king proves that powerful impact of lust. Kristin Scott Thomas also surprised me in her role of Lady Elizabeth Boleyn who portrays a good mother, a reasonable woman who strives to stop the mad conspiracies and sickly ambitious plans of men in her house.
But what makes THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL a must see is the particular insight into the psychology of humans, into various bad acts that we either regret or forget, into desires that blind men to many significant matters. Finally, it is an insight into selfish hatred that usually ruins the lives of the innocent, calm people. It is not a sort of historical film about which you could only say: a spectacle. THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL is truly a captivating movie that you watch with attention and interest. Pay attention to Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon and you will notice the core of what the film offers. It really touches the gist of human nobility or human wickedness, the gist of upright feelings combined with devotion or earthly desires that, by chance and mistake, got the name of "love"
THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL is a movie I highly recommend, one of the very best productions that have been made these days. 8/10