Anna Karenina – Triumphant Romantic Tragedy (2012)

Director Joe Wright takes on Leo Tolstoy’s infamous novel to create a marvelous theatrical interpretation of the adored romantic tragedy. Anna Karenina progresses through the discovery of self, the betrayal of loved ones and the risks of pursuing true love. Expect transformation by the realism and unimaginable attention to detail and discover the most visually spectacular film of the year. Anna Karenina is a true masterpiece.

Anna Karenina initiates in the late 1870’s when Anna, the wife of respectable official Alexei Karenin, ventures to Moscow to save her brother’s failing marriage when she unintentionally attracts the eye of dashing Count Vronsky. Fearful of her interest in him, Anna returns to St. Petersburg, only to catch Count Vronsky on her footsteps. It’s only a matter of time before Anna accepts Vronsky’s advances and claims his undying passion for her. The pair instantly embark on a journey of love, pain, self discovery and inconceivable sacrifices.

Joe Wright successfully takes on this big budget film with an admirable idea for cinematography in mind. Scenes will generally originate in a theatre building, on stage or in an auditorium among costumed extras who constantly lurk in the background. The most startling scene is the horse race set exclusively in the theatre with striking visual effects and an overall stunning execution of events. The intense, fast-paced camerawork and emphasis on sets makes the opening scene a blur, but eventually the bustle constrains enough for the viewer to interpret the story.

Anna Karenina is portrayed by the fearless Kiera Knightley who deplores with exquisite, large brimming eyes her rejected state. She takes on this role with a whole new level of maturity. Her restraining husband is performed by Jude Law; bearded, pale-eyed, self punishing and distressed with guilt and love. Aaron Taylor-Johnson plays Count Vronsky, capturing his shallow and youthful role genuinely well. All of the actors – particularly Knightley – perform admirably.

Anna Karenina is an artistic romance with stunning production and costume design, complex cinematography and brilliant, motivated actors. So if you enjoyed movies such as Atonement and Pride and Prejudice, then Anna Karenina is one you must definitely see. Joe Wright executes a spectacular adaptation of the novel with depth and humility and flawless acting from the entire cast.

★★★★☆