 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Other Boleyn Girl
- Review Date: June 9, 2008
- PG-13
- Genre: Drama
- 2008
Common Sense Media says
Lush historical drama is engrossing but mature.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this historical romance/drama deals with mature themes like adultery, betrayal, and even incest. Still, there's a balance here: Characters who appear to value material comforts and power get their comeuppance, while those who display humility and conduct themselves with an inner compass appear to be spared. Although there are a number of implied sex acts and much discussion of adultery, surprisingly little is actually shown.
What's the story?
Based on the best-selling novel by Philippa Gregory, THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL is a not-so-faithful retelling of how the rivalry between sisters Anne (Natalie Portman) and Mary Boleyn (Scarlett Johansson) changed the course of history. Encouraged by her ambitious uncle and eager-to-please father, Anne accepts her mission to become King Henry VIII's (Eric Bana) mistress and bear him a son -- a feat that has escaped the reigning queen. Instead, the monarch falls for Anne's sister, Mary; soon, Anne is relegated to second-fiddle status. But when Mary falls out of Henry's favor, Anne again takes on her seductive task. And time away from the king has made her a shrewd girl: Thirsting for revenge, she flirts with Henry but withholds sex -- driving him mad with desire -- and demands that he annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon and make her his queen. (She's a Rules girl playing a high-stakes game.) His acquiescence means excommunication from the Catholic Church, which causes a huge uproar. And if Anne can't provide the promised male heir, it may well cost her her life.
Is it any good?
A lushly photographed, beautifully costumed feast for the eyes, The Other Boleyn Girl reveals the machinations of power-hungry men and women in the Tudor court. (It's a popular subject; Showtime has dedicated an entire TV series to it.). The cast is superb, the set design exact. Still, history buffs are bound to wince at the liberties the film takes with the facts, as well as how it speeds through huge swaths of time (the first half-hour feels particularly herky-jerky). And though screenwriter Peter Morgan's script bears the mark of a true professional -- he also wrote Helen Mirren's The Queen -- the dialogue is burdened in spots by too much explication.
But despite its flaws, the film resonates, thanks to its stars. Johansson one-ups her performance in Girl with a Pearl Earring, which proved she had a face for period pieces, and turns in a surprisingly nuanced performance. And Portman proves she's not just a good girl by attacking her villainess role in earnest; she's conniving, manipulative, and dedicated to ambition at any cost. But in the end, she's all too human, especially when her happiness is denied just as easily as the king's is indulged.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the accuracy of movies based on actual events. Do you think most historical movies are true to what actually happened? How can you find out? If a film does fudge the historical facts, how do you feel about that as a viewer? In general, is history a good source of inspiration? Families can also discuss the relationship between Anne and Mary. Why did two seemingly close sisters drift apart? Are they depicted as caricatures -- one bad, one good -- or are they fully formed characters?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
daddy long legs 12 years old!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
this movie is awesome its not bad at all so let any kid go see it!!!!!!!!
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AGE
Beautiful film for teens
Personally, I am a TOTAL historical-fashion junkie, buuut my kids are 8 years and 9 months old, so, while this is an excellent film, I wouldn't let my kids watch it.
There isn't anything too over the top, but because it is a period film ie, things are different/time period appropriate, there are marriage consumations/sex scenes (nothing too graphic) some swearing, lots of drinking, and there is a rape scene about halfway in.
Personally, I think this movie is best suited to young teens 14 to 15 and up.
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AGE
LOVE the movie
Fantastic movie. However, I do not think that it is age appropriatte for anyone under 13.
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AGE
perty darn good
This movie was very well done, great actors, and everything. But I would caution parents not to let any kids under age 13-14 see it, very graphic in detail and very mature material. Not historically accurate though. Underlying message of forgiveness btwn. the Boleyn sisters, though :)
~Ugli Chic
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AGE
I couldn't put the book down...love the movie!
the book is freaking awesomer than the movie though rofl
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AGE
Inaccurate but still worth watching
After I watched the movie I had to know everything about Henry VIII and everyone before and after his reign or related to his life. I have to say the movie is inaccurate in its portrayal of these events. Please do the research for yourself before believing any of the movie.
Aside from that it is a well made movie. With the star studded cast (both actresses are on my top ten list of actresses), the beautiful scenes, and the basic plot were enough to make me want to see it again.
It is not a feel good kind of movie. If you know the story, then you will be ok, but if you do not...well, you'll see. I recommend watching this film. It is very good, just not accurate in its historical portrayal.
Also, do not let kids under the age of 17 see this movie.
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AGE
Fine for five-year-olds!!!
This movie is not bad at all!! It is very educational about human reproduction. Thank you, I love you too.
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| Studio: | Focus Features |
| Director: | Justin Chadwick |
| Cast: | Eric Bana, Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 114 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | February 28, 2008 |
| DVD release date: | June 9, 2008 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | mature thematic elements, sexual content and some violent images. |
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