Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 41 Critics What's this?

User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 82 Ratings

  • Starring: Aaron Johnson, Jude Law, Keira Knightley, Matthew MacFadyen
  • Summary: The story unfolds in its original late-19th-century Russia high-society setting and powerfully explores the capacity for love that surges through the human heart, from the passion between adulterers to the bond between a mother and her children. As Anna questions her happiness, change comes to her family, friends, and community. (Focus Features) Expand
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 41
  2. Negative: 1 out of 41
  1. Reviewed by: Ann Hornaday
    Nov 15, 2012
    100
    While Wright's self-conscious theatricality and dollhouse aesthetic conjure comparisons to Baz Luhrmann and Wes Anderson, he outstrips both those filmmakers in moral seriousness and maturity.
  2. Reviewed by: Andrew O'Hehir
    Nov 15, 2012
    80
    Does this crazy idea work? Maybe 70 percent of the time, but when it does it's both daring and brilliant.
  3. Reviewed by: Mike Scott
    Nov 30, 2012
    60
    That storytelling, however, is uneven, ranging from something approaching tedium to moments that are downright wonderful (such as the sweetest of scenes, involving two young lovers -- played by and Alicia Vikander and Domhnall Gleeson -- and a stack of children's blocks).
  4. Reviewed by: Mick LaSalle
    Nov 15, 2012
    25
    You know there is something seriously wrong with Anna Karenina when you start rooting for the train.

See all 41 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 28
  2. Negative: 5 out of 28
  1. Keira Knightley and Jude Law are extraordinary. Wright's unique and beautifully conceived version of the film, using Tom Stoppard's intelligent adaptation, struck me as perfect for rendering the depth and complexity of the story. The "artifice" of the setting, design and art direction are brought forth with sensitivity and satisfying wholeness. Highly, highly recommended for adults who want to participate in the construction of a wonderful film and story. Expand
  2. I love Russian literature, read the book long time ago and was very much looking forward to see this movie. To set the story in a theater was a risk that I don't think paid of. It made the movie kind of busy in an unpleasant way. On the other hand the cast especially Vronsky was great. To me Aaron Johnson IS Vronsky. Expand
  3. Stunning! I might have preferred a more conventional period piece similar to Wright's other works (Atonement, P&P) that used actual shooting locations, but the aesthetic choices made for this film are incredible. The production design, costume design, and cinematography are absolutely gorgeous and really make the film one of the most beautiful you'll ever see. The performances are all solid and Knightley gives one of her best and most mature performances to date. The film is a bit emotionally cold at times due to the horrendous casting of Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Count Vronsky, but overall Anna Karenina is a good period piece. Expand
  4. I am russian. I read 'Anna Karenina'. And you know what this film left mixed impression. Everything is according to Tolstoy, the actors are brilliant, however the director afforded himself to add a thing of his own to the film every scene of the film was a scene in a theatre! That is nonsense, Tolstoy didn't write that... And only this director-made 'feature' made of the film almost a total bull***t. Whithout that 'feature' the film would be great. Expand

See all 28 User Reviews

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