The historical drama was filmed at stunning locations across Derbyshire, Kent and Cambridgeshire.
An ‘epic’ period drama filmed in Cambridgeshire has been hailed as an ‘outstanding’ production that reduces audiences to tears.
The emotionally powerful film, loosely inspired by genuine historical figures, was shot across numerous breathtaking buildings and countryside settings throughout England.
The overlooked 2008 production from director Justin Chadwick features an impressive ensemble cast, including Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, Eric Bana, Eddie Redmayne, Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirstin Scott Thomas and Mark Rylance.
The IMDb synopsis for the picture simply states: “Two sisters contend for the affection of King Henry VIII.”
The historical drama chronicles the devastating tale of Anne Boleyn (Portman) and her sister Mary Boleyn (Johansson).
In the film titled The Other Boleyn Girl, both vie for the affections of the perilous monarch Henry Tudor (Bana), notorious for his appalling treatment of his spouses, reports Derbyshire Live.
Viewers flocked to the comments section of Rotten Tomatoes to express their opinions on the production, with one person declaring: “Every scene has been shot brilliantly! The Other Boleyn Girl is a masterpiece.”
“Whoa, shockingly good, a lot better than I expected it to be,” another confessed, while a third remarked: “I cried, and that is a thing per sé, I never cry.”
One audience member noted: “I definitely never expected to like this movie as much as I did. Amazing performances by Johansson and Portman with a really good cast as well. Probably one of the most messed up and tragic love stories I’ve ever seen.”
Another reflected: “It’s a very complex and heartbreaking story. The acting is great, outstanding really. I enjoyed the movie greatly, even though it scared me from time to time. The hardship of literally staying alive in that time frightened me quite a bit.
“It’s a nice epic drama about betrayal,” one viewer remarked, while another added: “Amazing. Brilliant acting, direction and perfect portrayal of the well known and tragic historical story.”
Nevertheless, not everyone was impressed, with one viewer describing it as “overly dramatic and visually unsettling”.
Another contended: “The acting is great but they play so fast and loose with history it is deeply unsatisfying.”
But where was the sweeping Tudor tragedy filmed? Let’s explore some of its most memorable filming locations throughout the UK.
Where was The Other Boleyn Girl filmed?
Cambridgeshire
According to The Worldwide Guide To Movie Locations, the impressive Ely Cathedral, featuring its intricately carved spiral organ stairs, represents the grand ceremonial areas of the palace.
The Cambridgeshire cathedral, situated 12 miles north of Cambridge, was also employed to recreate Westminster Abbey in the 2012 film The King’s Speech.
Derbyshire
The historical drama captured numerous scenes in Derbyshire, particularly around the Peak District.
Multiple Tudor properties were combined to create the interior of the Boleyn family residence, including the historic Haddon Hall, situated just south of Bakewell in Derbyshire.
Meanwhile, Cave Dale, a limestone valley extending south from the village of Castleton, served as the picturesque green valley through which the King and his entourage ride while travelling to the Boleyn estate. Finally, when Mary is exiled from court, she makes her home in the countryside with William Stafford and her children. These sequences were captured at North Lees Hall, Hathersage in Derbyshire’s Peak District.
Kent
The Other Boleyn Girl was filmed across numerous locations throughout Kent, including the stunning Knole House in Sevenoaks, which served as the palace exterior and the rooftops of 16th century London.
The Tower of London sequences featured in the film were not actually captured in the capital, with Dover Castle in Kent substituting for the famous landmark.
Meanwhile, the 14th century Kent manor house of Penshurst Place serves as Baron’s Hall, where Anne is depicted flirting with the king at a banquet.
The Other Boleyn Girl can be rented for £3.49 or bought for £5.99 on Prime Video and Apple TV+.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login