Anna Karenina
Anna Karenina

Movie spotlight

Anna Karenina

2017
Movie
150 min
English

In his 45th year as artistic director of Hamburg Ballet, John Numeier directs a modern adaptation of Tolstoy's masterpiece "Anna Karenina" in co-production with the Bolshoi Theatre and the National Ballet of Canada.

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes65%
Metacritic57/100
Google Users75%
Director: Kevin MacdonaldGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

The film reimagines Leo Tolstoy's classic novel, set in contemporary Russia. Anna Karenina, the wife of a high-ranking politician, embarks on a passionate affair with the charismatic Count Vronsky. Her forbidden love affair causes a societal scandal, leading her down a path of destruction and despair. The story explores themes of love, betrayal, and societal hypocrisy.

Critical Reception

The 2017 adaptation of 'Anna Karenina' received mixed to positive reviews, with many critics praising Jodie Comer's performance and the modern reinterpretation of the classic story. Some found the contemporary setting jarring, while others appreciated its fresh perspective on the timeless themes of love and societal constraints. Audience reception was generally favorable, particularly among those who enjoyed character-driven dramas.

What Reviewers Say

  • Jodie Comer delivers a compelling and nuanced performance as Anna.

  • The contemporary setting offers a fresh, albeit controversial, take on the classic narrative.

  • The film effectively captures the emotional turmoil and tragic arc of its protagonist.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the film's strong lead performance and its attempt to modernize a classic story. Many found the adaptation emotionally engaging, though some expressed reservations about the contemporary setting clashing with the novel's core themes.

Fun Fact

Director Kevin Macdonald aimed to make the story relevant to a younger audience by setting it in the present day, using social media and modern technology within the narrative.

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