Anna Karenina (1978)

Discover the epic saga of love, marriage, heartbreak, and tragedy among the 19th-century Russian aristocracy in Anna Karenina. Young, vivacious, and breathtakingly beautiful, Anna (Nicola Pagett) seems resigned to a passionless marriage of convenience to a powerful older man, Karenin (Eric Porter). But when she meets the dashing soldier, Count Vronsky (Stuart Wilson), she risks scandal and ruin to pursue true love. Experience the unbridled passion of Anna’s star-crossed affair and its far-reaching effects on her family, friends, and social order in this stirring BBC dramatization of Tolstoy’s classic novel.

Terrific Miniseries. Very Faithful To The Novel.

The only film version of this classic love story that I've seen was the one filmed in 1948 with Vivien Leigh and Ralph Richardson. However, this miniseries is more faithful to the book (which, I'm sad to admit, I've never been able to finish reading).

SPOILER ALERT!!!! Alas, the miniseries ends with Anna's death and thus omits the happy ending of the novel (typical of every version of the novel, I guess). Anna's death scene lacked emotional intensity, hence my giving it four stars.

Fine performances from everyone in the cast, especially a pre-villainous Stuart Wilson ("Lethal Weapon 3," "The Mask Of Zorro") as Count Vronsky.
I especially loved the scene when Anna reunites with her son after patching up her brother Stiva's marriage and when she surprises him on his birthday. so romantic. This miniseries is Not Rated. September 28, 2008

faithful and true

I re-read Anna Karenina every 3 years. So, I love the novel and resent any changes that have been made to the many versions of film. This is the best and closest to the novel. The spiritual change that comes over Karenin when Anna lies close to death is an important scene, Tolstoy would certainly spin in his grave if he knew it was left out of most versions!! It is in this version.

The actor who plays Vronsky is superb. The sets are lovely. Nicola Pagett plays Anna with a high strung nerviness that is critical to the character. What a beautiful and talented woman. And the portrayal of Karenin is marvelous...we see the man with his faults, but are also hoping things can be resolved...he deserves this, poor man.

Levin's hopes and frustrations with his peasants and farming were also meant to convey something...Tolstoy included these chapters and thankfully we can see what presaged the Russian Revolution. Important!

Alas, many of these things are left out or treated one dimensionally by other film versions. As if an audience is only interested in love stories. Cut to the chase. etc. Thankfully, the commercial decision makers that control "entertainment" in the USA did not have a pudgy finger in this movie. It shows too! April 15, 2008

A tale of love, marriage, guilt and consequences

In our effort to develop and assist in the maturity process of two teenagers, we obtained this classic that delves on timeless issues of love, heartache, marriage, loyalty, separation, pain, guilt, and unfortunately ending in tragic consequences to at times, thoughtless actions.

The plot is set in 19th-century Russia and the families selected for this amazing story, for the most part, are part of the aristocracy. The protagonist, Anna, played by Nicola Pagett, is a very young and beautiful woman, married to a man much older than her. Not sure why they chose to marry, but you can tell that she is not in love with her husband but feels secure about the life his position and wealth offer.

Her husband, played by Eric Porter, Mr. Karenin is a powerful man, involved in politics, astute, methodical, and willing to live life without passion, at times giving the impression that he is numb to feelings.

They have a young child, who fills the voids in her mother and they are very attached. On a yourney that starts the movie, Anna meets an older woman and strikes a rather interesting conversation, but one that opens her heart to the older woman, who happens to be the mother of Count Vronsky, played by Stuart Wilson.

When they arrive at the station, they meet, and the Count is captivated by Anna's beauty, but even more, by the fact that his mother seems to be admirous of the young woman. Anna feels the heat of the passion written in the young, dashing soldier's eyes... and the spark is ignited. In time, Anna risks it all for the pursuit of true love, but guilt, remorse, and an astute husband that plays the cards to make sure she never gets what she wants, initiate the down-fall of this woman. The consequences of poor choices are painful to watch, but excellent to prepare two young women about to start lives of their own.

Sometimes we must ask ourselves... who do I want to have been... to make choices that ensure you get there... safe and sound of mind. Highly recommend watching this series, but make sure you allow the necessary give and take to gain insight and growth. December 4, 2007

A magnificent rendition!

I could not have been more pleased with the accuracy of this mini-series as it links to the original literary work. The story is fluid, well-told, well-acted and the casting is spot-on. Even though the indoor shots are a bit soap-opera-ie (a new word?), the cinematography of the outdoor scenes really blew me away -- great film production work! If you're too lazy to read Anna Karenina, not to worry! Just watch this mini-series and you can speak on the original book with great authority. Be prepared for the extreme length of the DVDs but, for me, every moment was priceless. If I have a criticism, it is that the supposed Russians of this film all have British accents -- but one can't have everything. A rare insight into human nature and into 19th Century Russian Nobility and Serf culture as well. A wonderful mini-series. June 8, 2007

Two Thumbs Way Up!!

I read the novel in my teens, and remembered it vaguely. This film was soap opera-ish, but wonderfully acted, had beautifully scenery and was completely faithful to the storyline. 10 hours sounds long, but it was well worth the time spent. You won't even notice the heavily British accents, as you follow the characters around "Russia".

Great film. April 22, 2007

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