Anna Karenina. (7.5 / 10)
- Cert (UK): 12A
- Runtime: 130 mins
- Directors: Joe Wright
- Cast: Jude Law, Keira Knightley, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Alexandra Roach, Bill Skarsgard, Domhnall Gleeson, Emily Watson,
This film is set in aristocratic Russia during the 1870's. Based on Leo Trotsky's 950 page book Joe Wright (Pride and prejudice) has fabulously made sure this film is not boring at all, at any moment! He has very cleverly based the story around a Russian theatre in the 1870s. Apparently his intention was 'to create a large-scale image of upper-class tsarist society.' This can be a little confusing at first but you very soon understand. Anna Karenina (Kiera Knightly) bored with her life, falls for dashing count Vronsky (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). Shunned from her society for committing adultery the film is about her struggle whether she should or should not go with the Count. When she does (I haven't spoiled anything there its very obvious) it is about her, her family and her communities reaction.
Knightly delivers a strong and moving performance, as do all of the actors. Coupled with moving music (I loved the Violins) and stunning photography and costumes, as well as the added twist of the use of the Russian stage. If you love Love stories and drama this is a must. But be careful there are no high speed car chases so you may have to compromise with whoever you see it with. The only possible fault I have is that sometimes what the screen looks like can sometimes take priority over the substance.
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