Anna Karenina ~ Astounding!

Last night I tore open my Netflix envelope and sat down to watch 'Anna Karenina'. Having read the book, I was expecting to be disappointed, angered, and generally hate every second of the film. I was wrong! This movie was one of the most satisfying 'book to movie' translations I have ever witnessed. Being a person who is nearly never satisfied with Classic Literature in movie form, that's a massive compliment. Let me make some specific points.

I have to start with the cinematography. It was filmed almost like a play. The characters were living out their Russian lives while their surroundings were sets that would swirl and change as they walked from place to place. A lot of the time the characters would be backstage  for a scene or in the audience of the theatre while snooping on what is happening on stage. I expected this to be an over artistic distraction but I really enjoyed it! It made it possible for the story to be abridged to movie length without losing valuable plot.  It was very similar to a Ballet. In the surroundings and actions there was a lot of symbolism that may not make complete sense if you don't know the story.

Yes, that's Michelle Dockery from 'Downton Abbey' on the left

Next we have the acting. The characters were incredibly accurate adaptations from the book! I was stunned how many of the characters were absolutely PERFECT. Matthew MacFadyen and Domhnall Gleeson, as Oblonsky and Levin, were spot on as for looks, behavior, and the interactions between them. In my opinion Jude Law as Karenin was the brightest part of a bright shining film. He was absolutely flawless throughout the entire film. Even Keira Knightly did well and I tend to dislike her in general. All in all, the actors pulled me right into the story and seamlessly performed the story, right before my eyes.

Vronsky on the left, Kitty on the Right.

Third, I will touch on the story. Anna is a married woman who starts a steamy, and very public, affair with the young Count Vronsky. This story is played out while on the other hand you have Levin; The honest noble landowner who is in love with the Princess Kitty. Through these two story lines you are shown a vast range of emotional turmoil and philosophical growth. I am pleased to say that, as far as I can remember, nothing was added to the story and only a few things were cut. Quite the feat if you've ever held the complete volume in your hands.

As you probably know, 'Anna Karenina' won the Oscar for best costumes. It deserved it. The costumes are elaborate, colorful, and stunningly beautiful.

The honorable Levin.

I want to include a quick 'Parental Warning'. I was concerned about the 'R' rating when I watched it so I want to dispel your fears. This is just barely 'R'. All the bedroom scenes are generally lacking gratuitous nudity. There is a lot of smoky crossfading and some 'motion' if you catch my meaning.  Also, there is an extended close up of a French kiss. That being said, it's a lot milder than one might expect with the subject matter. There is also a brief moment of semi-graphic violence. It's just a few seconds on screen. Use your own judgement but know there isn't any shocking in-your-face nudity.

To sum up. I adored this film. It was beautiful, thoughtful, and true to it's source. I felt that by downplaying the sets and surroundings they had the spotlight entirely on the story, where it should be. In my opinion, it's one of the greatest love stories and one of the most pitiful tragedies of all time. I highly, highly recommend you watch it.