Anna Karenina

Rating:
Summary: Anna by numbers
Review:


A fairly pedestrian tread through the novel, concentrating on the relationships of the three couples and sensibly skirting most of the languorous stuff concerning Levin's spiritual and political vacillations.

Structurally strong, it's disappointing in the detail. While the emphasis on interiors is understandable considering the massive cost of a four hour period drama, there's still a degree of sloppiness in the production that should have been avoidable.

For a start, several of the key parts are miscast (Levin, for example, is reduced to some kind of Glaswegian dolt) and matters are not helped by a persistent gracelessness in the direction. The one token line of French is delivered with a schoolboy irony. There's too much This Life-style photography and editing. The camera has an irritating habit of dollying back and forth around two people talking. And the predictable sexy goings-on include an eye-widening dramatic licence for Kitty's wedding night.

The whole thing feels like it was made according to a stringent schedule rather than any artistic vision; and, of course, it almost certainly was. But the real tragedy is that most of the major dramatic scenes never really fly, and in the end it all feels like one huge missed opportunity. A shame, because there are good things in here too, especially a nice turn from Stephen Dillane as Karenin.

As an aide-memoir for those who have read the novel, this is efficient and, for better or worse, pretty unadventurous. But as an alternative to tackling Tolstoy's second doorstop, it's an unrewarding experience.


Rating:
Summary: HELEN MCCRORY IS A GODDESS
Review: Her presence gives this over-filmed story (for the billionth time) the needed sensuality -- sorry Greta fans, etc. And thank God, the director had the sense to revision the story! Why did David even bother giving scenes to other actors instead of concentrating on Ms. McCrory: She just towers over them -- why bother??? Five star rating is never enough for such a Hot 'gifted' lady.

Be sure to also buy "The Last King." However, the only problem with this production is the fact that she didn't get the first billing -- she actually stole show.

Rating:
Summary: fantastic! unlike other reviews..
Review: This miniseries is FANTASTIC! And I am SO happy it is finally getting it's DVD release here in the U.S.! The story centers around Anna and her shameful affair with Count Vronsky. This miniseries actually tells the full novel in depth, other than the 1997 theatricle release starring Sean Bean. Also, the Anna in this version is much more beautiful than in the theatricle release. So, buy it, and you will not be dissappointed!