Based on the controversial novel by philippa gregory the other boleyn girl is a fictionalised account of the life of lady mary boleyn who becomes mistress to englands king henry viii see full summary . The other boleyn girl 2001 is a historical novel written by british author philippa gregory loosely based on the life of 16th century aristocrat mary boleyn the sister of anne boleyn of whom little is known. The other boleyn girl is a 2008 historical romantic drama film directed by justin chadwick the screenplay by peter morgan was adapted from philippa gregorys 2001 novel of the same name it is a fictionalized account of the lives of 16th century aristocrats mary boleyn . The other boleyn girl is narrated by mary boleyn the sister of the famous anne the two girls one sweet and blonde and the other dark and ruthless are used as pawns by their family to gain favor with the king and thus gain prestige and wealth for the boleyns. Audience reviews for the other boleyn girl natalie portman is great and in fact the only one who stands out from the cast but even though mildly intriguing it is too bad that this period drama