THE TUDORS

THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL (2008)

The only thing that could come between these sisters... is a kingdom.

The official film site.

A lavish 2008 Hollywood adaptation and remake of a BBC 2003 television film based on the best-selling novel of the same name by British author Philippa Gregory.

The other Boleyn Girl is an engrossing and sensual tale of intrigue, romance, and betrayal set against the backdrop of a defining moment in history.

Two sisters, Anne (Natalie Portman, "Cold Mountain") and Mary (Scarlett Johansson, "Girl with a Pearl Earring", "Mary Queen of Scots") Boleyn, are driven by their ambitious father and uncle to advance the family’s power and status by courting the affections of the king of England (Eric Bana). Leaving behind the simplicity of country life, the girls are thrust into the dangerous and thrilling world of court life – and what began as a bid to help their family develops into a ruthless rivalry between Anne and Mary for the love of the king.

Initially, Mary wins King Henry’s favor and becomes his mistress, bearing him an illegitimate child. But Anne, clever, conniving, and fearless, edges aside both her sister and Henry’s wife, Queen Katherine of Aragon (Ana Torrent), in her relentless pursuit of the king. Despite Mary’s genuine feelings for Henry, her sister Anne has her sights set on the ultimate prize; Anne will not stop until she is Queen of England.

As the Boleyn girls battle for the love of a king – one driven by ambition, the other by true affection – England is torn apart. Despite the dramatic consequences, the Boleyn girls ultimately find strength and loyalty in each other, and they remain forever connected by their bond as sisters.

Henry, to Mary, who is tending his wound: "And who are you?"

Mary: "Mary, your Grace."

Henry: "The other Boleyn girl?"

Mary: "Yes."

Henry, looks her up and down: "You've been here all week-end?"

Mary: "Yes, your Grace."

Henry: "Really? How could I have overlooked you?"

Mary: "Next to Anne, it's easy to do."

Ladies, hold your breaths for:

* The handsome Aussie Eric Bana (b. 1968, "Troy") as King Henry VIII.


For fun (or just to be thorough), read the original novel by Philippa Gregory and the script by Peter Morgan back-to-back, and watch the BBC Two's 2003 version and this 2008 Hollywood version back-to-back.

SWORDS AND SAND(ALS)

TROY (2004)

Stronger, Sexier, More Spectacular!

Official Warner Bros site

An expensive adaptation of Homer's great epic.

Throughout time, men have waged war. Some for power, some for glory, some for honor – and some for love.

In ancient Greece, the passion of two of literature’s most notorious lovers, Paris, Prince of Troy (Orlando Bloom, "The Lord of the Rings", "Kingdom of Heaven", "Pirates of the Caribbean") and Helen (Diane Kruger), Queen of Sparta, ignites a war that will devastate a civilization. When Paris spirits Helen away from her husband, King Menelaus (Brendan Gleeson) it is an insult that cannot be suffered. Familial pride dictates that an affront to Menelaus is an affront to his brother Agamemnon (Brian Cox), powerful King of the Mycenaeans, who soon unites all the massive tribes of Greece to steal Helen back from Troy in defense of his brother’s honor.

In truth, Agamemnon’s pursuit of honor is corrupted by his overwhelming greed – he needs to conquer Troy to seize control of the Aegean, thus ensuring the supremacy of his already vast empire. The walled city, under the leadership of King Priam (Peter O'Toole) and defended by mighty Prince Hector (Eric Bana, "The Other Boleyn Girl"), is a citadel that no army has ever been able to breach. One man alone stands as the key to victory or defeat over Troy – Achilles (Brad Pitt, "Legends of the Fall"), believed to be the greatest warrior alive.

Arrogant, rebellious and seemingly invincible, Achilles has allegiance to nothing and no one, save his own glory. It is his insatiable hunger for eternal renown that leads him to attack the gates of Troy under Agamemnon’s banner – but it will be love that ultimately decides his fate.

Two worlds will go to war for honor and power. Thousands will fall in pursuit of glory. And for love, a nation will burn to the ground. ♥

Paris: "Father, this is Helen."

King Priam: "Helen? Helen of Sparta?"

Paris: "Helen of Troy."

---

King Priam: "I've fought many wars in my time. Some I've fought for land, some for power, some for glory. I suppose fighting for love makes more sense than all the rest."

Ladies, hold your breaths for FIVE STARS:

* Eric Bana (b. 1968) as the honorable-to-the-bitter-end Prince Hector of Troy, tamer of horses

* Brad Pitt (b. 1963) as the wonder boy with a heel

* Orlando Bloom (b. 1977) as the casanova-like reckless young Prince Paris

* Sean Bean (b. 1959, "Lady Chatterley", "Lorna Doone", "The Lord of the Rings") as the sagacious Odysseus

* Adoni(s) Maropis (b. 1963) as King Agamemnon's Officer