The Other Boleyn Girl (2008) is a historical drama directed by Justin Chadwick, adapted from Philippa Gregory’s 2001 novel of the same name. Set in the early 16th century, during the reign of King Henry VIII, the film explores the lives of the Boleyn sisters—Mary and Anne—and the complex and often tragic dynamics that define their relationships with each other, with the King, and with the courtiers at the English royal court. The film blends historical facts with fictionalized events, focusing on themes of ambition, love, betrayal, and the ruthless pursuit of power in a society dominated by men.

With an all-star cast featuring Natalie Portman as Anne Boleyn, Scarlett Johansson as Mary Boleyn, Eric Bana as King Henry VIII, and a supporting cast that includes Jim Sturgess, David Morrissey, and Kristen Scott Thomas, The Other Boleyn Girl presents a vivid and emotional portrayal of one of the most famous and scandalous periods in British history. It delves deep into the personal lives of the Boleyn sisters, showing how they navigated the treacherous political landscape of Tudor England, where their fates were shaped not just by their desires but also by the harsh realities of the monarchy and its demands.

The film is structured around the lives of the Boleyn sisters, Mary and Anne, who are both caught in the tumultuous world of Henry VIII’s court. The story begins with Mary Boleyn (Scarlett Johansson), who is initially the King’s mistress. The Boleyn family, particularly her ambitious and manipulative father, Thomas Boleyn (Mark Rylance), sees an opportunity for Mary to advance their social standing through her relationship with the King. However, her love affair with Henry is short-lived, as the King quickly becomes enamored with Mary’s sister Anne (Natalie Portman).