In a word: Exquisite.
It’s rare I would ever leave a movie hoping to see it again sometime. Such is the case of Anna Karenina, the Tolstoy saga now put to film for the third time since 1948.
While the film has been rightly nominated for four Academy Awards, (Cinematography, Costumes, Music and Production Design) it is conspicuous by absence for not being among the ten nominees for Best Picture. It should be up there with Lincoln and Argo, perhaps even surpassing each.
This movie has it all, great acting, deep romance, spectacular cinematography and visual effects, haunting refrains of music reminiscent of “Zhivago”, incredible imagery and beauty.
The story brings us back to Russia in 1874 where the dutiful wife of a government minister falls in love with a handsome young soldier. The minister (Jude Law) is beside himself with embarrassment and indignance, finding himself powerless to matter. Law is almost unrecognizable in this character, his best acting role to date.
Anna’s role is played skillfully and beautifully by Keira Knightly, a breathtaking beauty who makes you feel alive with passion, love and mystery, yet boldly candid and unashamed of her passion for Vronsy (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). That’s a love story similarly told in many films, yes. But this is absent the scourge of constant violence and graphic sexual content. Rather, it is tender and soulful. The director, Joe Wright, presents the story as life is a stage, literally. You’d have to see it to understand.
At the least this picture should also have been among nominees for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actress.
This is what movie-making is all about, art in motion and sound. It is not just a movie, it is in a word: Exquisite.
I give this film a rare 10.
Beautifully written review. I look forward to seeing the movie. Maybe it will give me solace during the reign of this willy and duplicitous administration.
Patti
I just read the book–since childhood, I have tried to be well-rounded in my education by reading all the books considered classics. Most are long and boring, and if I make it to the last page waiting for something to happen, it’s usually a fizzle. I attempted this one many times over my life, but never got to halfway point. This time I listened to it as an audiobook on an MP3 player (fantastic invention!) while doing chores and made it all the way through. If I hadn’t been splitting wood, hauling rock or mucking out stalls while reading it, I would have hurt myself falling asleep on my feet. I hope the movie is much shorter and sticks to the high points. I can imagine the glamor and heart-wrenching scenes.
On your recommendation, I’ll get the film.
I have to disagree on this one Marshall. I found Knightly’s acting flat and the movie unemotional at best. Did read the book twice & loved Garbo in the movie who’s performance will forever remain unequaled.
Have you seen “Beasts of the Southern Wild”, “Moonrise Kingdom”, “Silver Linings Playbook”, “Lincoln”, “Argo”, all of which outshown “Anna” by far. Just my own opinionated opinion. I think “Lincoln” will get the Oscar…..we’ll see. Best regards!.