Adapted from author Philippa Gregory's historical novel of the same name, director Justin Chadwick's atmospheric period drama follows the fierce competition between sisters Mary (Scarlett Johansson) and Anne Boleyn (Natalie Portman) to win the affections of Tudor king Henry VIII (Eric Bana). Anne and Mary Boleyn are under pressure from their father and uncle to help maintain the family's rich legacy and ensure their further prosperity by winning the affections of none other than the king of England (Eric Bana). But life in ...
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Adapted from author Philippa Gregory's historical novel of the same name, director Justin Chadwick's atmospheric period drama follows the fierce competition between sisters Mary (Scarlett Johansson) and Anne Boleyn (Natalie Portman) to win the affections of Tudor king Henry VIII (Eric Bana). Anne and Mary Boleyn are under pressure from their father and uncle to help maintain the family's rich legacy and ensure their further prosperity by winning the affections of none other than the king of England (Eric Bana). But life in the royal court is far different than it was in the countryside where these two sisters were raised, and before long their bid to earn the love of the king has transformed two once-happy sisters into bitter rivals. At first, it appears that Mary has triumphed in winning the king's favor by becoming his mistress and bearing him an illegitimate child. Despite her early success, however, Mary has underestimated just how clever and cunning her sibling can truly be. Not only does the relentless Anne manage to edge aside her sister in the eyes of King Henry, but she also succeeds in averting his gaze from his wife, Queen Catherine of Aragon, as well. Mary is driven by genuine affection for King Henry, while her sister Anne has only kept up the charade in a desperate bid to become the queen of England. Now, the growing chasm between two sisters is mirrored on a larger scale as England becomes divided more than ever before. As the consequences of their actions threaten to alter the course of an entire nation, these two sisters will ultimately discover that the only place they will find true strength and loyalty is in family, and that no matter what the consequences they will forever be bound by blood. Jason Buchanan, Rovi
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Seller's Description:
Ana Torrent, Alfie Allen, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jim Sturgess, David Morrissey, Mark Rylance, Kristin Scott Thomas, Eric Bana,... Good. 2008 Run time: 115. All items inspected and guaranteed. All Orders Dispatched from the UK within one working day. Established business with excellent service record.
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Seller's Description:
Ana Torrent, Oliver Coleman, Benedict Cumberbatch, David Morrissey, Kristin Scott Thomas, Mark Rylance, Jim Sturgess, Eric... Good. Run time: 115. All items inspected and guaranteed. All Orders Dispatched from the UK within one working day. Established business with excellent service record.
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Good. Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. Please, note that this is a second-hand item. The case will likely be a bit worn at its edges or have very minor cracks.
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Fair. Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. Please, note that this is a second-hand item. The case will show considerable shelfwear and, may be cracked, in places the disc will show scratches but will play.
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Good. May have very light or no surface scratches. Case and cover artwork are included but may show minimal signs of wear. If applicable: Digital copy or ultraviolet codes may be expired or not included.
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David Morrissey, Mark Rylance, Kristin Scott Thomas, Eric Bana, Scarlett Johansson, Natalie Portman. Very good. 2008 Run time: 115. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Digital copy/codes may be expired or not included. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
This beautifully costumed drama encompasses Mary Boleyn's story as well as her sister, Anne's. Scarlett Johansson plays her demurely, although from historical accounts, she was thought to be of loose morals. It is Anne (Natalie Portman) who is portrayed as the schemer, driving King Henry VIII wild with desire by remaining just out of his reach.
The whole film is imaginatively photographed while being disconcertingly pristine clean, so that the Boleyn girls' hair shines with what would appear to be modern conditioners, their clothes never appearing muddy, and Eric Bana as Henry being very well turned out, with a trim beard and well-cut hair. This does take away some of the ambience of the times when hygiene would have been very loosely adhered to. But a small carp, when the film is entertaining and competently acted. A stand-out performance is by David Morrissey as the Duke of Norfolk. His strong interpretation of the part gives the film a firm frame on which the drama can unfold.
Auldphart
May 2, 2009
Historic and technical excellence
Every attempt was made to stay true to available historical detail, both in sets and events. I especially liked the use of ambient lighting (mostly candlelight indoors). Most movies of historical periods use far too much overhead light to be realistic. Characters were very true to what is known of the personalities.