Tolstoy’s epic literary classic is given surprising new life in this bold yet enchanting cinematic incarnation.

A sublime visual feast

Anna (Keira Knightly) is called to Moscow to visit her brother. His wife, Dolly, has recently discovered his affair with their governess, and Anna hopes she can be a comforting force in order to save her brother’s marriage. She succeeds in her task, but soon finds her own marriage in danger for much the same reason.

While in Moscow, she encounters the young, affluent and charming Count Vronsky (Aaron Taylor-Johnston). Their mutual flirtation quickly escalates to a dangerous level, as their obvious attraction attracts the immediate attention and gossiping of the social elite. Rumours of their dalliance begin to circulate, threatening to place her marriage at risk.

Anna returns to her husband (Jude Law), but when Vronsky pays a visit to her home city of St Petersburg, the flirtation quickly transforms into a passionate and public affair. In a time when divorce prevented a woman from legally remarrying, Anna risks not only her own status, but also her relationship with her son, in order to continue to feed her lust-filled desire.

Contrasting this story is the more innocent tale of Levin, a farmer whose love for a young princess, Kitty, is overlooked because of her own infatuation with Vronsky. Kitty soon learns that love prevails over lust, and becomes more open to Levin’s advances; but he may have already given up hope.

Anna Karenina employs a range of interesting visual and aural themes in order to add richness to its storytelling. As a tale that is as much about class—the divide between the serfs and the aristocrats—and gender relations as it is about lust and desire, there are many intricate layers to its time-honoured narrative.

Lovers of fashion will be more than impressed with the exquisite array of costumes and jewellery that adds to the lustre of this film. The film arrives with apt timing to provide perfect viewing for Valentine’s Day—or any moment, really, where an indulgent mood prevails.

Don’t be deterred by the seemingly worn pairing of Knightly and Wright, as Anna Karenina is abundant in decadence, drama and delight, as a film that visually and aurally demands the benefits of a large screen experience.

Directed by: Joe Wright
Starring: Keira Knightly, Jude Law, Aaron Taylor-Johnston
Rating: R
Runtime: 129 min
Release Date: 14 February
Reviewer rating: 3.5/5