Review of Anna Karenina (2012) by Sam F — 22 Jan 2013

Joe Wright never disappoints! He did a superb job with Jane Austen's 'Pride & Prejudice' and Ian McEwan's 'Atonement'. Now he has pulled it off again, producing a rather fancy, stylistic and artistic version of the epic tale about love and life while still maintaining the true message of the original novel: that pure and intellectual love is more superior than impure, passionate and physical love.

The production designs are stunning and eye-candy and to have the story be told on a stage setting is refreshing and genius! Life is but a stage (as implied in Shakespeare's 'Life's Brief Candle' poem from Macbeth).

I have once watched the 1997 film staring Sean Bean and Sophie Marceau. In comparison, Joe Wright's version would appeal more to the younger generations with its brilliant colours, sweeping music and stunning choreography.

The acting was brilliant as well. Keira Knightley was superb as Anna. It was also a pleasant surprise to see Domhnall Gleeson playing Levin. Dario Marianelli, long-time collaborator of Joe's, has once again produced a great score for the film.

The screenplay was well-written. Overall, a beautiful and fresh adaptation to Tolstoy's epic.