Anna Karenina

Anna Karenina

Year: 2012

Runtime: 129 min

Language: English

Director: Joe Wright

Drama

In 19th-century St. Petersburg, Keira Knightley's Anna Karenina risks it all for passion, embarking on a scandalous affair with dashing Count Vronsky (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). As societal expectations collide with personal desires, Anna faces an impossible choice: abandon her family or sacrifice her own happiness. Meanwhile, the quiet longing of farmer Levin and his unrequited love for Princess Kitty serves as a poignant counterpoint to Anna's tragic fate.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Anna Karenina yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Anna Karenina (2012)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Anna Karenina (2012). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1874

The story is set during Imperial Russia, a period characterized by rigid social structures and class distinctions. This era saw the clash between tradition and modernity, influencing the lives and choices of its characters. The societal expectations of the time weigh heavily on Anna, shaping her tragic journey and the consequences of her desires.

Location

Moscow, St. Petersburg

Moscow serves as the central hub of the story, illustrating the complexities of its society and the lives enmeshed within it. The narrative unfolds in grand ballrooms and intimate homes, showcasing the stark contrasts between lavish gatherings and the turmoil of personal relationships. St. Petersburg, on the other hand, becomes the backdrop for Anna's tumultuous affair with Vronsky, epitomizing the societal pressures that engulf her.

🏰 Cities 🌌 Society

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:15

Main Characters – Anna Karenina (2012)
Meet the key characters of Anna Karenina (2012), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Anna Karenina (Keira Knightley)

Anna is a passionate and conflicted woman caught between her duties as a wife and her desires for love and happiness. Her emotional struggles manifest in her tumultuous relationships, leading her to question her identity within a rigid societal framework. As her affair with Vronsky unfolds, Anna's desperation and turmoil become increasingly palpable, culminating in heartbreaking decisions.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Love 😢 Tragedy 🎭 Conflict

Count Alexi Karenin (Jude Law)

Alexi is a prominent statesman and Anna's husband, embodying the moral and societal expectations of the time. Initially calm and composed, his character reveals layers of emotional depth as he navigates the betrayal from his wife. Karenin's struggle with his feelings of love and duty creates a poignant portrayal of a man grappling with personal and societal upheaval.

💼 Duty 😔 Heartbreak 🌪️ Conflict

Konstantin Levin (Domhnall Gleeson)

Levin is a wealthy landowner wrestling with his identity and aspirations in Moscow's elite society. His profound love for Kitty drives his actions, highlighting his earnest and sensitive nature. Throughout the story, Levin's character evolves as he learns to embrace familial love and the complexities of life, contrasting with Anna's tragic path.

🌾 Love 🚜 Identity 🌟 Transformation

Count Alexi Vronsky (Aaron Johnson)

Vronsky is a charismatic and affluent figure, whose attraction to Anna ignites a passionate yet destructive affair. His charm and determination draw Anna into a whirlwind of emotions, but his privilege and societal status also reveal the darker side of love and obsession. Vronsky's choices amplify the consequences faced by both him and Anna, culminating in tragedy.

🔥 Passion 🕵️‍♂️ Desire 🥀 Tragedy

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:15

Major Themes – Anna Karenina (2012)
Explore the central themes of Anna Karenina (2012), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Love & Betrayal

The central theme of love and betrayal permeates the narrative, epitomized by Anna's affair with Vronsky. Their intense relationship ignites societal scandal and personal strife, forcing Anna to confront her choices and their repercussions. The dichotomy of passionate love against societal norms leads to tragic outcomes, illustrating the complexities of human emotions.

👗 Societal Expectations

The film explores the theme of societal expectations, particularly the pressures placed on women during the 19th century. Anna grapples with her identity as a socialite and the constraints placed upon her choices by society's scrutiny. The expectations of fidelity and propriety clash with modern desires, driving the characters toward a tragic conflict.

🌧️ Choices & Consequences

The narrative heavily emphasizes the theme of choices and their unforeseen consequences. Anna's decisions blur the lines of love and duty, leading her down a path of despair and regret. The ripple effects of her choices extend to those around her, highlighting the interconnectedness of human experiences and the burdens that come from the pursuit of happiness.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:15

Similar Movies to Anna Karenina
Discover movies like Anna Karenina that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.