Watch Anna Karenina

Anna Karenina is a period drama film released in 2012 based on the novel of the same name written by Leo Tolstoy. Set in the late 19th century in Russia, the film follows the story of Anna Karenina, a married high society woman who embarks on a passionate affair with Count Vronsky, a dashing cavalry officer. The film is directed by Joe Wright and features an all-star cast including Keira Knightley as Anna Karenina, Jude Law as her husband Alexei Karenin, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Count Vronsky. The film also stars Alicia Vikander as Kitty, Domhnall Gleeson as Levin, Emily Watson as Countess Lydia, and Kelly Macdonald as Dolly.

The movie opens with Anna Karenina arriving in Moscow to visit her brother, Stiva. During her stay, she meets Count Vronsky, and the two are immediately drawn to each other. Despite being married to Karenin and having a young son, Anna cannot resist the charm of Vronsky, and the two begin a passionate affair.

As their relationship intensifies, Anna's husband begins to suspect that something is amiss. Karenin confronts his wife about her infidelity, and she is forced to choose between her love for Vronsky and her family.

The film explores themes of love, jealousy, and the consequences of seeking personal happiness at the expense of others. Anna's affair with Vronsky causes a scandal within high society, and she becomes ostracized by her peers. Additionally, her decision to leave her husband and son for Vronsky leads to heartbreak and tragedy.

The film's cinematography is a standout feature, with director Joe Wright employing a unique theatrical-style that blurs the lines between reality and imagination. The movie was shot entirely on a stage, and the sets and costumes are opulent and visually stunning.

One of the standout performances in the film belongs to Keira Knightley, who delivers a captivating performance as Anna Karenina. She convincingly portrays the character's despair and internal conflict as she struggles to come to terms with her choices and their consequences.

Jude Law is also impressive as Karenin, capturing the character's stoicism and eventual heartbreak as he watches his wife slip away from him. Aaron Taylor-Johnson's portrayal of Count Vronsky is suitably charming, and the chemistry between him and Knightley is palpable.

The movie's score, composed by Dario Marianelli, provides a haunting backdrop to the story, imbuing the film with a sense of melancholy and despair.

In conclusion, Anna Karenina is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the consequences of personal desires. The performances by the talented cast, the unique theatrical-style, and the beautiful score all work together to make this a standout period drama.

Anna Karenina is a 2012 drama. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 63.