The Other Boleyn Girl (DVD)

l decided to buy this as l had just read the book, and although it was a good film and well acted it is very different to the book, lots of key points were left out and other things were changed completely. To anyone who is going to read the book l would suggest you watch the film first and then read the book as it wont be so confusing.

This is one of my favourite books, which I know inside out. So I was disappointed that the film did not portray the magic of Phillippa Gregory's work. In fact large chunks of it had been missed out and in parts it appeared to be history on fast forward - ie a little rushed!

Where was Catherine Carey? Mary's first child by Henry - she wasn't even born in the film! Where was the tender relationship between Henry VIII and Mary, her internal torture at betraying the Queen, the relationship she shared with William Carey after the King had moved on to Anne? and William's subsequent sad demise. And such a shame that the beautiful courtship with William Stafford was skimmed over, so much so that it was barely noticeable and their secret wedding missed completely.

Where was the true passion between Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII? Her skill at bringing him forward whilst keeping him at arms length. The visits of the Boleyn children to Hever Castle? In fact Hever wasn't even mentioned despite being the Boleyn family home. Mary's longing to be with her 2 children when she was expected to be at Court and the moments when Anne was trying to claim Mary's son (her 2nd child) as her own when she not managed to have a son of her own.

The drama of Anne's arrest at the May Day celebrations was missed out. And where were the other men arrested and beheaded alongside George Boleyn? The poor relationship between George of Jane Parker, who was instrumental in his downfall, was too lightly skimmed over too.

As for the 2 Boleyn parents? and the Duke of Norfolk? all good actors, but not necessarily right to portray these ruthless characters! They were all too 'nice' and too 'caring'.

Where was Katherine of Aragon? She was barely present in the film - those bits she was in were excellently acted, but there is nothing of her relationship with Mary Boleyn (aka Carey and then Stafford), the genuine warmth between her and Henry VIII during the early parts of the story and her sadness at the gradual loss of her marriage. Also - there was no sight of the Princess Mary, yet she featured a little more strongly in the book.

The transition between Henry's affair with Mary and his courtship of Anne was far too quick in a 'blink and you'll miss it' moment. Whereas in the book it's a much more gentle change.

It's such a shame as the book gives so many opportunities to have made this a fantastic film, but it just didn't live up to expectations.

In it's own right - As a film, it is well staged, has beautiful costumes and is well acted. It is an entertaining watch and indeed worth watching. However it lacks the intrigue that serves to make the book that little more real and huge chunks of the story have been sadly skimmed over to their detriment.

I know we should never expect a film to portray a book in its entirety - but whilst it is worth watching, this was not even close to reflecting the magic of the book. In fact in parts, the story appeared totally different.

It is worth watching, because as a film in its own right it is good. However if you're a fan of the book - sadly, you are likely to be disappointed.

i read the book and thoroughly enjoyed it so could not wait to see the film although not as thorough as the book it is a very enjoyable film would recommend it

Probably the worst film i have ever seen. I read the book so i wasn't expecting sparkling historical veracity but this was total twaddle.
i) What happened to William Carey because i didnt notice him dying
ii) Anne boleyn was a strong confident scheming women not an insipid girl
iii) so was Anne boleyn's father to make the money he did in a generation
iv) Catherine Carey?????
v) Henry and Anne were in LOVE not this angry aggressive relationship that is portrayed form the beginning

they were my main bug bears but there were loads more

dont buy it if you really want to see it borrow it off a friend! i wouldnt part with money for it!

great film..missed out on seeing at the cinema as had moved out of area....excellent well worth watching ..nice to sit and relax to

A very nice storyline - good acting - trouble is I have read the book and they have missed large chunks but they managed to keep the continuity going.

I would have been uneasy allowing a 12 year old to watch this due the overt sexual content and the values they were portraying regarding relationships.

Overall a good film.

I'm a history nut so I was trilled when I was able to buy this DVD at such a good price. I've also recently purchased the first series of the Tudors and I'm afraid this film doesn't match up well. The film seems to go at a slow pace, I would have been disappointed if I had paid to see this film at the cinema.

I still have not received this item. I have tried to contact seller no response and e mail and ebay addressess now do not exist. A claim has been raised with pay pal still awaiting response and refund

I wanted to buy it as I have a great liking for costume drama. When I had paid for it, the seller removed it from E Bay. I have never received the DVD. I cannot get them on the phone or by E Mail and I do not know their address. I would advise prospective buyers to think again. Its an obvious rip off.

i just love this movie. it is a cliff hanger because you really want him to pick the right sister i mean if you know history you know he want but the movie really some how keeps you wanting him to. also the passion in the movie is perfect you really get into it. well i hope this is enought to fill in this box just wanted to say film great

my hubby bought this film for me and i really wasnt into watching but but decided to put it on one night and really got into it, it brought a few tears to my eyes and is well worth watching. Fantastic film x

This is a must see for anyone interested in or researching the history of these girls and this family. I would recommend it, i would also recommend you see the film "Elizabeth" after you have watched this, it gives a good perspective on how she came to be.

I enjoyed the film as it made history more interesting. My daughter watched a bit and was able to answer some hard questions in school. Teacher was impressed.
It tells you a side of history you may not have known.
It showed that women were just mere objects to be toyed with for enjoyment and had no say in their lives at all. Men controlled all aspects of family. Most people know Henry viii was a nasty man at times, this film shows to what extent and also another side to him.
Also showed what Anne Boleyn was really like and makes you think they deserved each other, but did not deserve to have her head chopped off.
I watched this film first on telly, but liked it so decided to but it.

i brought this film because i love to look back at how we used to act many years ago and how powerless women was im very glad its not like that now but its nice to watch a film and learn a bit of history aswell

wasn't sure at the beginning if the film was going to live up to my expectation but it was amazing. though im no expert on what life was like in those times or what they wore, it all looked quite realistic and i must say its a close call between this film and Elizabeth, another film which i absoulutly loved.

its a sensual tale of romance and betrayal set against the great backdrop of a defining moment in: Anne and Mary Boleyn, driven by their family's blind ambition, compete for the love of the handsome and passionate King Henry VIII who seems to love to flitter between a number of women.

Loved the film, Bought it for the other half with no intention of ever watching it, but turned out to be a really good watch!

I was pleasantly surprised by this film. I loved it. Yes I'm sure it wasn't historically correct, but I found it completely hooked.