Anna Karenina (2012)Movie Reviews

  • Go Based on 8,340 reviews
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  • Oh No!
    Written December 10, 2012

    Terrible film adaptation of a great Tolstoy novel

    by tony_kenney1971

    Turn back! Run away! Go see a hobit or a british special agent or a vampire. Do not waste any money on this film. I don't think I am "enlightened" enough to appreciate a movie, within a play, within a musical, within a nightmare, but this story is nothing like what we expected. This is a tremendous novel; why they chose to make it a film in this way is baffling. It confuses everyrhing about the novel and only distracts from what could have been an outstanding cast. If it is not the random tuba player that interjects himself into the scene, it is the blindingly stupid scenes involving ink stamping and coat changes. I do love movies and pride myself on the fact that I must stay to watch a film unitl its' end no matter how bad (although Punch Drunk Love was the exception) but AK certainily tested my will. Good Luck if you choose to drop the $10+. Remember, you were forwarned.

    • 4 out of 4 found this review helpful.
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  • Must Go!
    Written December 10, 2012

    Anna Karenina

    by jeaniel

    Beautiful to look at, wonderful music to listen to, fabulous performances, over the top costumes and sets, and a timeless story combined with relevance in a specific historic time -- what could be better.

    • 4 out of 4 found this review helpful.
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  • Oh No!
    Written December 10, 2012

    Huh?

    by willchipmovie

    The first 45 minutes were enough to send me and my four companions heading for the exit.

    • 3 out of 3 found this review helpful.
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  • Oh No!
    Written December 10, 2012

    A beautiful, terrible movie

    by ttomkruse

    I won't insult chicks by calling this movie a chick flick. It's just a movie for shallow snobs. OK, the visuals were beautiful, and the acting was at least average. But the story only vaguely resembled Tolstoy's classic; the screenplay was TERRIBLE; and the direction was pretentious. SAVE YOUR MONEY. THIS MOVIE IS A WASTE OF TIME.

    • 4 out of 4 found this review helpful.
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  • Oh No!
    Written December 10, 2012

    OMG--It Was Awful!

    by eak06850

    The 2 1/2 stars that it received was far too generous. Everything about it was dreadful--especially the script, and casting. Don't waste your time--it was almost laughable.

    • 4 out of 4 found this review helpful.
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  • So-so
    Written December 10, 2012

    pluses and minuses

    by drvicky

    Lush scenery & costumes, gorgeous actors but a confusing presentation. Neither one of us could figure out the whole ballet theme.

    • 3 out of 3 found this review helpful.
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  • Go
    Written December 10, 2012

    Totally worth it!

    by

    Great movie with a beautiful scenery and story! A wonderful cast, Keira Knightley looks fabulous.

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  • So-so
    Written December 10, 2012

    Lets Tolstoy Down

    by 42morebutterbeers

    I was disappointed by this film. Visually it is quite compelling, but the conceit of presenting scenes as though being staged becomes distracting and diminishes the film's content. The novel is a deep and weighty book that treats deep and weighty subjects. In the film, they become superficial, lost in all the pretty pictures. It is all frosting and no cake.

    • 4 out of 4 found this review helpful.
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  • So-so
    Written December 10, 2012

    Style over substance

    by crestedcall

    Visually striking with an imaginative setting, but inconsistency in application detracted from the overall effect and pacing left much to be desired in actually crafting the story, rendering the plot difficult to follow for audiences not familiar with the original novel and some meaningful dialogue lost in the mêlée.

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  • Must Go!
    Written December 10, 2012

    A very difficult movie to sum up

    by rumbledoggie

    This is one of the most beautiful films I've ever seen - and I've seen a lot in the past 40+ years. One of its chief attractions is that the director has given us long, rich, thoughtful takes. There's none of the choppy editing that wreaks havoc on the mind. Every performance is full and complex. Although the story may not match Tolstoy precisely, the film stands on its own. I like the casting very much. Keira Knightley and Jude Law play their roles to perfection, as do many of the supporting cast members.

    The decision to play the scenes in and out of the theater set was captivating and never felt odd or forced. I can't tell you why it works so well, only that it does.

    The film is 2 hours and 10 minutes of pure pleasure.

    • 4 out of 4 found this review helpful.
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  • Must Go!
    Written December 9, 2012

    Simply Stunning!!!

    by alicat80

    I've always been a big fan of Keira Knightly and have adored Joe Wright's work since Pride and Prejudice. So, I was so excited to see Anna Karenina! Keira is simply breathtaking in this film and the movie itself is visually stunning. The costumes are also impeccable. I wasn't very familiar with the story. I was a little confused in the beginning but was able to follow the plot. Be prepared for high drama, intense romance, and intrigue. The movie is also very artistic and stylistic. At times, it feels like you're watching a beautiful work of art coming to life or a performance art piece. Jude Law is astonishing and Matthew MacFayden (also a big fan) is great, too! The chemistry between Aaron Johnson and Keira is palpable making the entire movie a deliciously rich romantic tragedy that is simply stunning to watch. I have to admit, the movie was a bit slow at times and I could have had more love scenes; but, overall I'd HIGHLY recommend it!

    • 4 out of 4 found this review helpful.
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  • Oh No!
    Written December 9, 2012

    Disappointing

    by rfont20877

    Barely recognized the story line which is classic. Did understand all the frequent spinning around. Count Bronski reminded me of Gene Wilder in Young Frankenstein. First time I walked out of movie after one hour.

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  • Oh No!
    Written December 9, 2012

    awful

    by john612

    My wife and I love period piece dramas and the like. This was an attempt to do some artsy stuff with this film going from a play type film to a movie style. I was so awlful we left after 45 minutes. We just could not stand it anymore. I have seen pride and prejudice and it was very good so I thought this might be along to the same lines. However this was a total waste of time and money. I would not recommend this flim to anyone as it was a huge disappointment.

    • 4 out of 4 found this review helpful.
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  • So-so
    Written December 9, 2012

    Beautiful, visually stunning, yet boring

    by kpions

    The setting was beautiful. The structure of the movie was a bit confusing. After an hour it became boring and just wanted her to end it. Gratefully that happened. The acting was good with a bit too much crying.

    • 4 out of 4 found this review helpful.
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  • Oh No!
    Written December 9, 2012

    Art for arts sake

    by Moviefan0514

    This was one of the worst movies I have ever seen. There was no character development and the use of the "staging" was distracting and unnecessary. I wanted to go ask for my money back. Anna Karenina is a classic love story, and the director forgot to tell The story. the only bright spot in the whole thing was Jude Law. Don't go see this movie.

    • 4 out of 4 found this review helpful.
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Anna Karenina (2012) Movie Reviews + Ratings

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Tweets About Anna Karenina (2012)

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amicatonic “...he liked his newspaper, as he did his cigar after dinner, for the slight fog it diffused in his brain.” –Tolstoy #AnnaKarenina

19 hours ago.

natashajonsson Just watched Anna Karenina. It was.. Different, but quite good.. Quite great actually. I can see why it won an Oscar!

19 hours ago.

lwanie Met someone who loved Anna Karenina too, #instantgetalong

20 hours ago.

ArthKitz My in #AnnaKareNina before was Nina played by Kim Delos Santos which will be played by Joyce Ching now. #AnnaKareNinaSaJune3Na

21 hours ago.

ArthKitz I haven't watched the role of Anna in #AnnaKareNina I'm really excited on this. #AnnaKareNinaSaJune3Na

21 hours ago.

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Cast Interviews Exclusive Cast Interview Keira Knightley talks about her "tricky" character, Jude Law on his passive-aggressive role and Joe Wright on filming the movie on a stage. More Films on Fandango's Award Watch A sneak peek at Hollywood's race to the Oscars!