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This was a well acted movie from top to bottom. Yes, it is historical fiction but it was well researched by the book's author Phillipa Gregory (like all her books are). I am very pleased to have this DVD movie in my personal collection. The DVD extras are very informative and I urge everyone to watch them in connection with the movie itself to get a greater overall appreciation.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Having read the book, and found it fascinating, I was somewhat disappointed in the movie. Henry VIII had red hair & blue eyes -- yet they chose an actor with dark hair & eyes. Also, Ann Boleyn was known for her "black eyes" -- yet, Natalie Portman has blue eyes in the movie. Those discrepancies aside, I found the acting mediocre. If you enjoy reading, by all means, read the book of the same title by Phillipa Gregory. Fascinating! As for the DVD itself, it was shipped quickly, and in excellent condition. But after watching it, I passed it on to a friend, knowing that I wouldn't spend the time watching it again.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I love time pieces and if you love them you might like this one. Natalie Portman delivers a truly disturbing performance filled with deception, betrayal and lust. Scarlett Johanson was also surprisingly talented. It was a nice change to see her play a role where she is innocent and genuine. The best attribute this film has to offer is the way it captured all emotions perfectly and grasped the idea of sisters and their unconditional love no matter how unbelievable a situation. Often brutal in its content, the scenes were a pleasure to watch.
Well done although I think the casting had some failings. The actor playing Katherine of Aragon makes Katherine look old and ugly, which was not the case. Amazing as it may seem, I also feel that Natalie Portman is not pretty enough to play Anne Boleyn. I don't know if it's the way her hair is or the way she looks in the costumes but she just doesn't pull it off well. (I do think Portman is usually gorgeous.) The actor playing Henry is not well cast as far as appearance, but he does a wonderful job as Henry. Scarlet Johanson steals the show as Mary. She delivers a flawless performance while she has that "glows from within" look. Despite my criticisms, I love this movie as the acting is well done and the story is one that is usually not referred to in other Henry movies.
If you want a good movie about Henry VIII and Anne Bolyen, rent Anne of the Thousand Days. That was a film that used history to tell a story about real people who had a love to change a nation. In this version of the eponymous Phillipa Gregory novel, historical inaccuracies abound. Approximately fifteen years are compressed into two hours with no indication time has gone by except for various babies. None of the characters ever change or grow any older. The characters in this movie are completely one-sided. Anne is ambitious. Henry is a womanizer. Mary is simple. No one has any complexities. The sisterly rivalry plays out like an underdeveloped soap opera. On the other hand, the film is engaging and the costumes lovely. Same with the gorgeous palace settings. Eye candy it is. Truthful or realistic it isn't.Read full review
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