The Other Boleyn Girl (2003 film)

The Other Boleyn Girl is a British television film released in 2003, directed by Philippa Lowthorpe and based on the 2001 novel of the same name by Philippa Gregory. The film adapts Gregory's fictionalized account of the lives of sisters Anne and Mary Boleyn in the court of King Henry VIII of England.

The story focuses on the Boleyn sisters' rivalry as they are pushed into becoming mistresses of the King by their ambitious family, vying for power and status. Mary Boleyn, initially the King's mistress and bearing him a child, is eventually supplanted by her more cunning sister, Anne. Anne's ambition ultimately leads her to become Queen, but her inability to produce a male heir and her perceived transgressions result in her downfall and execution.

The film stars Natascha McElhone as Mary Boleyn and Jodhi May as Anne Boleyn. Steven Mackintosh portrays King Henry VIII. The supporting cast includes Jared Harris as King Henry VIII's advisor and Philip Glenister as George Boleyn.

The 2003 television adaptation is distinct from the 2008 theatrical film of the same name, which features a different cast and director. The 2003 version is generally considered a more faithful adaptation of the source material than the later cinematic release.