I have just finished watching The Other Boleyn Girl (2008). The story is based on an historical novel of the same name by Philippa Gregory. The costumes and sets are impressive, but the narrative plays hard and fast with the facts. One aspect I particular enjoy about movies and books such as this one is the ability for history to come to life through character portrayals. Personalities are often glossed over or exaggerated in written descriptions, so the opportunity to observe some of the characters' finer nuances and get to know them as more rounded people is enjoyable. The screenplay does not fully achieve this, but makes a good attempt.I am the first to admit that my knowledge of history (apart from music and its relationship with art, architecture and religious history) is patchy at best. However, it's not difficult to see that The Other Boleyn Girl has huge jumps in events (leaving various holes in the story), while history hangs very loosely by a thread. Marriages, babies and family members are casually dispatched along the way with little or no explanation as the plot rapidly moves on.
If you are able to put aside the many historical inaccuracies in this story, The Other Boleyn Girl is an entertaining movie and goes towards giving some insight into the often dodgy actions and activities of England's royal family in the 1500s. (Before and after that: no comment.)
3 comments:
I've seen this movie last summer and I loved it.
It was really entertaining and well played.
Great review
I watched this movie flying home from London last summer. I enjoyed it, but know wht you mean about people being quietly forgotten about once they no longer were needed for the story.
I had to wonder about this movie. thanks for the review. I read the book and loved it but it was soooo long. I figured they would have to cut out a bunch of stuff. I think now, i won't expect so much when I do decide to watch the movie.
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