an adaptation. a good one. but , in strange, delicate way, not the last period of Tolstoy life is the most source of interest but the acting. Christopher Plummer and Helen Mirren are magnificent in a film who seems be one of the comedies by master William Shakespeare. because not the historical accuracy is the biggest virtue. but the atmosphere, the costumes, the mix between old and new forms of love, the portrait of a genius and his deep solitude, the need to rebuild yours life and to be free. and the Russia. the Russia of old novels and old stories, the Russia behind the fall in history of a new dramatic century, the Russia of illusions and small dramas who transforms this film in indirect meet with the universes of Goncharov, Tchekov and ... Tolstoy. Christopher Plummer has the science, so precise science , to translate the essence of his great character. in the most impressive, convincing and touching wise manner.

This kind of Hollywood trash has Tolstoy rolling in his grave.It's like watching an extended American soap opera; just a bunch of ballyhoo and over-dramatic lovers' quarrels that focus obsessively on the question of who will retain the copyright to Tolstoy's works.There's not even a single mention of Tolstoy's literary work and the film is bereft of any philosophy leading up to the Russian Revolution less than a decade later.In this film, Vladimir Chertkov says to Tolstoy's Wife, "I would have blown my brains out. Or gone to America." After watching this movie, you'll likely prefer the former...In short, this film is total drivel and an utter two hour waste of time.

Much of the criticism I have been reading about 'The Last Station' is specious, and I felt compelled to write this article because I believe that most of the negative reaction might be eliminated if the film were more adequately illuminated.You don't have to love (or even know anything about) Tolstoy to enjoy this film. You do, however, have to have a taste for love, because this movie is a wonderfully full (if occasionally saccharine) tour de force of love- in fact, the director informs the audience so, right away, in the opening quote. So the viewer ought to approach this work with the mindset that the story is about the love that occurs to various degrees with each of the different characters.It would be a grave mistake to believe that, since this is a film about Tolstoy, the film itself echoes some of the characteristics of Tolstoy's work. In fact, it echoes practically none of Tolstoy's work. I do not, however, find fault in this, and any movie-goer who is expecting to experience War and Peace ought to just go read War and Peace because War and Peace's literary excellence is just that: literary. To find fault in The Last Station because it does not address the problem of the Russian Aristocracy's exorbitant habits, and their relationship to the struggling peasant class, is like condemning the movie for not discovering who was responsible for the murder on the Orient Express, or insufficiently detailing the party life of Holly Golightly- that is to say, the two are entirely unrelated.Although the content of the story concerns the aging Leo Tolstoy and his wife, Sofya, the protagonist of the movie is Valentin Bulgakov (played by James McAvoy), and so, the principle conflict is, in fact, about his personal devotion to the Tolsotyian doctrines, and how his personal goals and values change as a result of his employment under Tolstoy. So, any stigma attached to Tolstoy comes directly from Bulgakov's personal devotion to Tolstoy the Diety, and this dynamic is the only thing which plays on any viewers' preconceived notions of Tolstoy.The story is not really about Tolstoy, per se, but is instead about Bulgakov's navigating between the celibacy and strictness of the Tolstoy Dogma, (as embodied through Chertkov, portrayed by Paul Giammati) and the passionate and sometimes inexplicable nature of human interactions (as embodied through Sofya, portrayed by Helen Mirren in an incredible, forget-where-you-are performance). So, take heart, the viewer is not taken on a journey with Tolsoty where-in we aim to discover how to solve the enormous question of the class conflict in Russia. Instead, the question is: how has Bulgakov's first hand experience of Tolstoy, Sofya, Chertkov, and Telyatinki in general, affected his beliefs, and will those beliefs confirm his position as a disciplined Tolstoyian, or will they facilitate his rejection of the doctrine? So, you see, criticism about Sofya's "weird behavior", or about the lack of Tolstoyian erudition really comes down to a misunderstanding. The Tolstoyian scholastic plays a frivolous and superficial role, and does so intentionally. The film is not actually about Tolstoy, or his works, and we need only process the interactions that occur, and the characters for that matter, through Bulgakov's experience and frame of mind.When the viewer understands this, I think they will understand why the film is so delightful.

"The Last Station" is a historical drama that illustrates Russian author Leo Tolstoy's struggle to balance fame and wealth with his commitment to a life devoid of material things. Given a limited release, this movie never received the accolades it deserved.Cast wise, a hub of talent at work. Christopher Plummer depicts the titular character with such devotion and authority that a picture of Leo Tolstoy stay etched in our mind just as depicted on screen. Helen Mirren is the true igniter of this movie with her splendid performance as Tolstoy's wife whose conflicts with her husband over the impact of Tolstoy's philosophy on their family possession is brilliantly showcased by Mirren. James McAvoy is absolutely charming in his role of Tolstoy's assistant. Also competent is Paul Giamatti, a devoted scholar of Tolstoy's teachings."The Last Station" strength lies in every aspect of its production. The perfect Casting, subtle Storyline, appropriate Running Time, amazing Direction and Screenplay etc are top-drawer. It's arduous to find something too regrettable about the movie to be mentioned.Overall, "The Last Station" is a wonderful depiction of the most celebrated Russian writer, Leo Tolstoy. To watch great talents at their best is an experience, but coupling the above with an insight into a great personality is a blessing.My Verdict: 8/10