A tale of two sisters competing for the same king, The Other Boleyn Girl uses historical facts as window dressing for this work of fiction that is entertaining, if not wholly believable. Anne Boleyn (Natalie Portman) is the doe-eyed vixen ordered by her power-hungry uncle to bewitch King Henry VIII (Eric Bana). Her shy sister Mary (Scarlett Johansson) has always been in Anne's shadow; Anne is prettier, more accomplished, and desired by many men. So when the King picks Mary--the "other Boleyn girl"--as his mistress, Anne turns on her sister and schemes to become not only the King's consort, but his new queen. With a pair of American actresses in the lead roles and an Aussie portraying their hunky object of desire, the English accents are all over the place in this period piece with a modern feel. Though the Boleyn girls' mother points out that her "daughters are being traded like cattle for the advancement of men," it is Anne who ultimately throws her slight weight around to bully Henry into doing her bidding. When he begs her to give herself to him, Anne--wearing a Carrie Bradshaw-esque "B" pendant on her neck--counters, "Make me your Queen." Is the audience really suppos...
Thoroughly entertaining, 2009-11-20
I absolutely loved this film. I have read many of the unfavourable reviews and can see how the historical inaccuracies and the anachronisms would be really irritating to some people but I took it as a bit of entertaining fiction based loosely on fact. I therefore, was not disappointed as I didn't expect it to be totally true to history. The book, after all, was fiction.

I agree it was a bit twee and did seem to be anachronistic but I loved it. I thought it was highly entertaining and escapist; a real pleasure for me.

Austen’s story of the Dashwood sisters and a romance with John Willoughby is a familiar one (and it was realised quite brilliantly in Ang Lee’s film adaptation in 1996), and so it’s left to the super cast and terrific production values to convince audiences to dip into Sense & Sensibility again. Fortunately, the production delivers with consummate ease.

Much of the credit for Sense & Sensibility’s success lies in its excellent cast. David Morrissey, Mark Williams, Janet McTeer and Charity Wakefield are among the many strong performers, and they’re matched by equally impressive work behind the camera too. There’s an argument whether it manages to eclipse the 1996 filmed version (for which Emma Thompson took home an Oscar), but it’s perhaps to best see them as companion pieces. And truthfully, you’re not going to be disappointed...
Very enjoyable for a lazy Sunday afternoon, 2010-01-25
I really enjoyed this version, it wasn't too long either and was easily absorbed in 3 episodes. I didn't expect my husband to watch it with me and he sat with me and started reading, however, whenever I looked over at him he was watching the dvd - a real testiment to how the sotry draws you in. The music is very good and evocative, it really adds to the drama and romance of the scenes. I thought all the actors were brilliantly cast, all likeable and gave the feeling of a period drama very well. I would recommend this as the price is so good, it lasts longer than a dumbed down 'chick flick' and you feel part of a wonderful story.