This is the first review I have submitted for any movie, at any time. I am doing so because I was unusually pleased with this film. For the record, I am generally a very harsh critic. As an example, I just saw "Darkest Hour" on Churchill, in the theater, which Rotten Tomatoes gave 4 out of 5 starts (or tomatoes?) whereas I came out of that theater critiquing the music and sound track. Otherwise, good film.The Karenina film, for me, was seen on television and without any plan or knowledge of the film before hand. In short, I had heard the name but had no expectations. As a result, I was open to it.The costumes were fantastic, the angles, lighting and sound, as well. The unusual manner of filming was, as some reviewers called it "artsy fartsy" but accepting that it would be such early on, it did not distract me. Perhaps it even added just enough. Would I have been bored with out it? It is possible. Maybe it filled in some areas that would have left holes otherwise - I won't know.The acting was also good. Each role was well-defined, well-played, and there was no discomfort or obvious "issue" between actors. In other words, it flowed well and was believable. Yes, there was the contrived moment when Karenas lover lifted her in the air while dancing, and the choreography seemed to intentionally reflect what the director might have thought was a woman's orgasm, but that passed quickly and moved on. In general the emotions evoked seemed real, and yes, many issues were raised that left me wondering - not only about the history and how relations were at the time, but also how relations are now. To bring it forward, it was almost as if the old story revealed that co-dependence, as we might call it today; that inexplicable passion that binds people in ways that can be as destructive as they seem positive, can seem attractive, but in the end destroy us. It was passion that lead the main character to set aside her awareness and concern over morality. It was passion that lead her to mis-perceive the effect that her choices would likely have on her down the road, and which caused her to forget how much she loved her son. I am left wanting to see it again, or to read the book. So for me - it gets nine starts and recommendations that others see it.

A beautiful and well seen member of the Russian High-Class society, married and having one child, falls in love with a charming count with whom she starts an affair. From there on, her life takes a dramatic turn for the worse, as she wasn't expecting most of the people's reactions after her deed.It's a movie which wants to present how a person's reputation can alter so quickly after using the heart to think, instead of the brain, leaving all possible consequences aside. Somehow, it managed to enroll its plot in a lengthy and boring way, with little interest gained along the way. You'll be baffled by the main characters' decisions, while the results are to be expected after such foolish judgement. While the movie itself is average at most in almost every single way, the actors do a really good job in building their characters, helped a bit by the provided dialog. Too bad that the plot was such a let-down.

Overall, I was very disappointed. The script was painfully slow- moving, the story was foggy and vague, and the brilliant talents of Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, and Matthew MacFadyen were solely underused in a tragic romance where the miscasts took centre stage. Visually, however, the film was stunning. The costumes were gorgeous and the cinematography was beautiful. It was clear that the creators favoured appearance over substance. The secondary cast was very good, especially Domhnall Gleeson and Matthew MacFadyen. I'm a big fan of Alicia Vikander, but it's only towards the end that her character actually became watchable. Matthew MacFadyen was refreshing comic-relief, and I only wish we'd seen more of him. Out of the three leads, Jude Law was the only one to fit his role perfectly; he played his part subtly and brilliantly. His performance was flawless. Aaron Taylor Johnson was watchable, but the blonde hair just didn't work for me. Most of the time he looked out of place; with a watery performance that matched only Knightley's. I have never liked Kiera Knightley as an actress, but I was ready to put aside my bias and look for the positives in her performance. Unfortunately, I only found her acting more infuriating and shallow. Her smiles are forced, her emotions never reach her eyes, and she might as well still be acting for Pirates of the Caribbean. Her performance was very hard to watch, and – part the writer's fault, I'm sure – she never allows Anna's grief to come full circle. As a result, I struggled to feel sorry for the character, and Anna's emotional journey – as well as her external one concerning her society life – was never strong enough or powerful enough to deliver depth and evoke sympathy. Overall, the film was visually stunning, but it lacks heart and substance to carry the enormous weight of Tolstoy's profound story.

When i think to all the time, efforts and sacrifices Tolstoy made to write his monumental drama in a realistic way, i really don't understand why this movie decided to spend all its money to do a sort of opera, musical thing ! When i saw this opening, i thought it was a play on stage and as the movie kept it that way, i felt then so betrayed and sad because i knew that it would be 2 long hours of poop. Sure it can feature a lovely Keira and the cool and talented « kick ass » but those mobile, combined sets and this dreadful vision really destroyed all the story ! It was such an opportunity to depict imperial Russia and pay homage to such a sad life as this poor Anna becomes crazy of pain and decides to die. But in a way, i'm not really surprised : America is really this fool country, full of money that just can't buy and understand artistic genius or creativity ! Even if monkeys ate caviar everyday and moves in Porsche, they are still monkeys when you give them pencils ! That's another example here of this big nonsense that wants to do silly circus acts for the eyes when the author wanted to touch the hearts ! Just horrible !