Anna Karenina

When my wife heard I was reviewing Anna Karenina, she asked, “How many times are they going to make that?” (Ironically, my wife wouldn’t mind an annual remake of Pride and Prejudice.) The answer to her question, I suppose, is, “As many times as someone has a unique way of showing it.” Director Joe Wright has staged a sumptuous version of the Russian classic about a married woman who visits Moscow and begins a relationship with another man. The movie has the artifices of a stage play with moving sets, fanciful transitions, and stylized performances.

ClearPlay In Action!

This adaptation of Karenina received an R rating for some sexuality and violence. ClearPlay cuts a disturbing image of a man cut in half, as well as scenes of sensuality and partial nudity. The themes of infidelity may be too mature for younger viewers, who would be long lost after the first 15 minutes anyway.

Should I be ‘Russian’ out to rent this movie?…

The very elements that make this version of Anna Karenina unique will alienate many audience members, distancing them from the emotions and distracting them from the story. I thought it was an enjoyable eyeful, worthy of the Oscar nominations it received.

Marty Nabhan– ClearPlay Tcinema Tsar

Rated R for some sexuality and violence; 129 min; Directed By Joe Wright