'The Other Boleyn Girl' balances history with royal drama

Plotting and deception are the keys to the kingdom in this royal drama about King Henry VIII, his wives and mistresses. Taking a snapshot of his royal reign, which encapsulates all the King’s passions and follies, “The Other Boleyn Girl” is a good, condensed history of the father and mother of Queen Elizabeth. The movie is based on the book written by Philippa Gregory, with a basis in actual events, though there are some additional dramatic flourishes. Passionate acting from its three main performers, along with an inspired supporting cast and lovingly re-created courts and costumes makes this limited-release, period drama worth a trip to Railroad Square Cinema in Waterville.

Henry Tudor (Eric Bana, ‘Troy’) is the King of England, but he’s also a slave to his lust. While married to Queen Catherine of Aragon - played with a magnificent dignity despite her situation - King Henry has a roving eye and is easily manipulated by his advisors who understand his amorous attentions toward younger women. An uncle of the Boleyn girls talks their father into making Anne (Natalie Portman, ‘V for Vendetta’) available to the King and, if she can enchant and beguile him, great favor will fall on the whole family. Anne is a strong, willful lady who has not learned the subtle arts of enticing and not threatening a man.

A major social faux pas occurs, which forces the uncle into “damage control” mode by sending the other sister, Mary (Scarlett Johansson, ‘The Prestige’), to care for the King. Henry becomes infatuated with the reluctant Mary and calls her to court along with her sister, Anne. What follows are several devious machinations, as Anne’s power-hungry drive threatens her family’s very lives and the future of England, while the other Boleyn girl, Mary, is caught in the undertow.

The starring roles are dynamic characters who are exceptionally well cast. Portman relishes her role as the scheming Anne, a character you may love to hate, but one who you never completely lose confidence in. Mary is your anchor in the story, as we empathize with her and her plight. Johansson brings a mix of innocence and sensuality to the role, impressing the King and the audience with her goodness amongst the treacherous and self-serving nobility. The few good characters, like Mary and her mother Lady Elizabeth (Kristin Scott Thomas, ‘The English Patient’), give voice to our concerns during the ultimately tragic story.

There are some touching moments between the sisters, even though they are in constant competition with each other. Anne’s strongest quality - and her greatest downfall - is her ability to take control of her own destiny, for good or ill. The story moves along rapidly, keeping the most passive observer entertained as the drama never lets up. Though created by different people, “The Other Boleyn Girl” works very well as an introduction to Cate Blanchett’s “Elizabeth” films, for those who enjoy watching dramatized history unfold before our eyes. I highly recommend it.

Rated PG-13 for mature thematic elements, sexual content and some violent images.