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The Other Boleyn Girl

2008

Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Natalie Portman, and Eric Bana

Rating: 3.5

"The Other Boleyn Girl" is based on the book of the same name by Philippa Gregory. I read the book back in April, and loved it. I've been waiting ever since to see the movie, and I finally got to.

The movie does stray a bit from the book. This isn't really all that surprising since the book is around 700 pages. However, I don't think that they did the best job with the movie.

There were huge amounts of time left out, and parts of the story that were disconnected. These disconnects made the plot a bit confusing for anyone who isn't terribly familiar with the history of Henry VIII or Gregory's book.

I also have to admit that I was a little disappointed in Natalie Portman's performance. She is usually a skillful actor, and really embraces her roles. I think she could have done better as Anne Boleyn. Maybe had the movie been a bit longer, she would have. But she came across as simply malicious and power-hungry, and not really the loveable person everyone loved and hated at the same time.

Eric Bana, however, did an absolutely fantastic job as Henry VIII. Bana was almost scary in his portrayal.

I'm glad that I saw the movie. But, I definitely think the book is better. Maybe I worked myself up too much before seeing the movie, and maybe I'd have liked it better if I hadn't read the book first. Either way, I still enjoyed it. I do recommend that you see it, but also be sure to read the book.