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| The Other Boleyn Girl [2003] | ![The Other Boleyn Girl [2003]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51kMUPmFCmL._SL160_.jpg)
 enlarge | Director: Phillipa Lowthorpe
Actors: Yolanda Vasquez, Jared Harris, Natascha Mcelhone, Steven Mackintosh, Jodhi May
Studio: 2 Entertain Video
Category: DVD
List Price: £4.99
Buy New: £3.98
You Save: £1.01 (20%)
New (2) from £3.93
Avg. Customer Rating:  9 reviews
Sales Rank: 30
Format: Pal
Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Running Time: 90 minutes
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.4 x 5.4 x 0.6
EAN: 5051561026812
ASIN: B0012X6RG0
Theatrical Release Date: 2003
Release Date: October 6, 2008 (New: This Week)
Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours
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| Customer Reviews: Read 4 more reviews...
 Absorbing drama let down by dull cinematography!!! September 16, 2008
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
After the tragic film adaptation of Gregory's bestselling novel starring Natalie Portman and Scarlet Johansson I was somewhat relieved when I discovered this lesser known BBC adaptation of the Other Boleyn Girl.
To start with the story remains not only a truer account of history but indeed a more faithful adaptation of Gregory's brilliant book. It moves along at a steady pace allowing no time for boredem and while understandably details have been omitted/altered (most notably the order of Mary's children: in this film Henry is born first and Catherine second, while there is surprisingly no mention of Anne) this does not affect the overall quality of this movie. The script is reasonably well-written despite its lack of witty one-liners that in my opinion are the essence of Gregory's novels but apart from a few mishaps regarding the characters (one scene where Mary suggests thast George and Anne conceive a chid together) the script is far from bad.
The acting from the three leads is contentious to say the least. The fact that all the actors are alot older than the characters they play does take a bit of getting used to but it's nothing major. Natascha McElhone (Mary)is appropriately timid, obedient and loyal although I did feel she could have been a alot more feistier. Mary Boleyn was afterall known as the Great Prostitute living in the french court from the age of 10 and being a mistress to many of the most influential men of the time. I'm glad she wasn't portrayed as loosely as the Mary Boleyn from the Tutors but I still think there could have been alot more flirting on her side especially regarding her relationship with William Stafford, which was possibly one of the poorest on-screen relationships I have seen in quite a while. I wasn't that pleased with Jodhi May (Anne). Leaving aside the fact that she isn't exactly pretty I felt like she could have been alot fierier. It has been admitted that Anne Boleyn was never a great beauty but her wit, charm and seductive nature was notorious throughout the Tutor Court. Unfortunately May didn't portray any of this charm, looking like a miserable old hag most of the time. As for Henry VIII himself, well surprisingly I found his portrayal to be the strongest of the three. Alright he's not as goodlooking as Johnathan Rhys Meyers and he certainly doesn't bring much charm and flirtatious banter to the role but he brings what I've yet to see another actor bring to this part: a caring side. I'm sick of seeing actors portray Henry as some monster intent on destroying his wives. I'm sure he did have a human side to his character at some stage.
Secondary features are what really let this film down, which is surprising because BBC have a reputation for excellence in this field. The entire production all looks very low-budget with extremely dull costumes, unimaginative hair styles and virtually no make-up (a huge mistake considering the age of the actors). There is a huge absence of any musical score, interior locations are very drab and shabby and exterior locations are few. Then there's the little question regarding the actual shooting of this production. The shaky handheld camera shots don't really work in this film (although this will be more of a personal preference) however the worst aspect of this film is the interview style sequences it does, which are just a lazy way of telling the story.
Overall The Other Boleyn Girl is an interesting, absorbing tale definitely worth the watch. I'd recommend it to fans of the book or for those of you out there who like myself were left disappointed by the Hollywood treatment of this masterpiece. I rate it 3* due to it's poor stylistic design, which makes it highly likely that this film will not stand the test of time. In fact I have a feeling it shall be one of those movies that are shown to children in history class. A great pity but unfortunately unavoidable!
 Very Good June 19, 2008
7 out of 9 found this review helpful
This is a super tale with some real strong acting. I have waited for some time for this to come out on DVD and have not been disappointed.
At times the truth has been changed a little -but that does not take away from a great film.
 A must for fans of Historical Drama June 13, 2008
9 out of 9 found this review helpful
I can only echo what previous reviews have said that this version of The Other Boleyn Girl is superb. Not only is it loyal to the book, it is a far superior account of Philippa Gregorys' story than that of the recent film. It makes far more sense in how the passing of time is represented, rather than a flash in the pan that the film presents the case as.
It demonstrates the true passion that not only existed between Henry and Anne but in the entire Tudor period. I am ecstatic that around 6 years after this production was made it is finally being released on DVD, for this price it is a must have.
At Last May 19, 2008
50 out of 51 found this review helpful
Since this BBC adaptation was screened I have searched continually for this version on DVD. Without any doubt this is one of the most engaging dramas I have ever seen. Stylistically it may not be to everyone's taste, with what appears to be hand held camera work and direct address to the camera similar to an interview approach. There is a grain to the film that only enhances the rawness and edge to the production.
It is the only historical drama that brings a genuine sense and vision of a Tudor court to life. The character developments are pertinent and emotionally engaging. The performances are exceptional and it is a great shame that such an exceptional work as this should have been overshadowed by a glossy Hollywood interpretation.
This film deserves to be seen by a much wider audience and far outstrips both the film and the book of the same title. Watch it, you will be mesmerised.
couldn't agree more May 6, 2008
10 out of 11 found this review helpful
I too have been waiting and waiting for this to become availale on DVD. Although the direction is slightly odd, it's a wonderful, focussed study with a terrific cast - Jodhi May, Philip Glenister, Steven Mackintosh. Much closer to the book than the recent Hollywood version, which I saw and which was absolutely dire. I really need to see this now, to wipe the other from my memory! I'm really looking forward to getting it.
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