Sisters of Another Time: The Boleyn Girls

For some reason, I'm a huge fan of historical films. "Patriot"; "Gladiator"; "Braveheart" and "Pride & Prejudice" all rank among movies that I can watch over and over again and never get bored.

I will say that I was a bit 'prejudiced' before viewing "The Other Boleyn Girl," though. I thought it would mock other similar historical films by creating this fluff of a story that relied on the appeal of Scarlett Johansson and Natalie Portman to capture audiences. I was proven wrong.

The film, also starring Eric Bana (you may remember him from "Troy") as King Henry VIII, focuses on the lives of the two Boleyn sisters: Anne played by Portman, Mary played by Johansson. They both contend for the king's affection, eventually displacing his then-queen, Catherine of Aragon.

Anne and Mary have different approaches to their relationship with the king, and glaringly opposite motives. Power, jealousy and revenge are a common thread throughout the plot, however.

If you're not aware of the historical story of the Boleyn girls, most notably for how the affair turns out, then I won't ruin it for you. I thought the acting was believable and I enjoyed watching the movie. It's worth renting if you're in the mood for a story of love, betrayal, vengeance, and the quest for ultimate control.