Anna Karenina

Anna Karenina

Year: 2012

Runtime: 129 min

Language: English

Director: Joe Wright

Drama

Set in 19th-century Russia, the story follows Anna Karenina, who risks everything for a passionate affair with the charismatic Count Vronsky. Her choices challenge the strict societal conventions of St. Petersburg, forcing her to confront an agonizing dilemma: duty to her family or the pursuit of personal happiness. Parallel to Anna’s dramatic journey, the story also explores the quiet struggles of farmer Levin, whose unrequited love for Princess Kitty offers a contrasting perspective on love and belonging.

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Timeline – Anna Karenina (2012)

Trace every key event in Anna Karenina (2012) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Stiva's Infidelity Surfaces

The film opens in 1874 in Moscow, where Prince Stepan 'Stiva' Oblonsky is discovered by his wife, Princess Daria 'Dolly', in a compromising situation with their governess. This shocking revelation leads to a heart-wrenching confrontation that changes the dynamics of their marriage forever.

1874 Moscow
2

Dolly Expels Stiva

Filled with despair and heartbreak, Dolly decides to expel Stiva from their home, forbidding him from seeing her or their five children again. This moment marks a turning point in their relationship, as both characters face the consequences of Stiva's actions.

Moscow
3

Anna's Journey to Moscow

Amidst the turmoil, Stiva's sister, Anna Karenina, embarks on a journey to Moscow to help her brother mend his fractured marriage. As a renowned socialite, Anna carries the weight of societal expectations while navigating her family dynamics.

Moscow
4

Encounter with Konstantin Levin

In Moscow, Anna encounters Konstantin Levin, a wealthy landowner who is deeply in love with Kitty, Stiva's sister-in-law. Despite his sincere feelings, Levin faces rejection from Kitty, who is infatuated with the affluent Count Vronsky.

Moscow
5

Anna Meets Count Vronsky

On her train journey to Moscow, Anna's path crosses with Count Vronsky, who is initially preoccupied with impressing her. Their encounter is charged with an immediate attraction amidst a chaotic train station accident, laying the groundwork for their complex relationship.

Train station
6

Dolly and Stiva's Reconciliation

Anna manages to persuade Dolly to reconsider her decision regarding Stiva, leading to a moment of reconciliation. This effort showcases Anna's compassion and highlights the complexities of familial bonds amidst personal crises.

Moscow
7

The Lavish Ball

At a lavish ball, the tensions between Anna and Kitty escalate as Vronsky's attention shifts from Kitty to Anna. This unspoken rivalry unfolds in front of the societal elite, amplifying the stakes and emotions for all parties involved.

Moscow
8

Anna and Vronsky's Affair Begins

As their affair begins to blossom in St. Petersburg, Anna finds herself grappling with her feelings amid societal scrutiny. Their relationship becomes a source of gossip, putting Anna in a position of conflict between her desires and societal expectations.

St. Petersburg
9

Anna's Pregnancy Confession

After several tumultuous encounters, Anna confides in Vronsky about her unexpected pregnancy. This revelation deepens their bond but also complicates Anna's relationship with her husband, Alexi Karenin, who begins to confront the reality of her infidelity.

St. Petersburg
10

Karenin's Confrontation

As the situation escalates, Karenin confronts Anna about her infidelity, considering the possibility of divorce. This confrontation brings to light the societal stigma and the potentially devastating consequences that Anna and her family might face.

St. Petersburg
11

Levin's Determination

While Anna's life spirals out of control, Levin remains committed to winning Kitty's heart, embodying steadfast love amidst chaos. His efforts stand in stark contrast to Anna's turmoil, highlighting the different paths love can take.

St. Petersburg
12

Anna's Tragic Decision

The climax of Anna and Vronsky's relationship culminates as Anna is pushed to contemplate her future. Facing the harsh realities of her choices, she ultimately makes a tragic decision that reverberates through her life and the lives of those around her.

Train tracks
13

Levin's Transformation

As the dust settles from Anna's decisions, Levin finds a sense of fulfillment in love and family. Standing in the rain, he reflects on the complex interplay of joy and sorrow in his life, cherishing the bond he shares with Kitty and their newborn.

14

Reflection on Choices

The narrative culminates in a poignant exploration of love, societal pressure, and the burdens of choices made. As families come together and mourn those lost, the contrasting paths of Anna and Levin encapsulate the broader themes of the story.

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 03:19

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Stories in this thread typically follow a character who, driven by powerful desire, enters a forbidden relationship. The narrative builds tension as the affair is threatened by discovery and judgment, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere. The journey often escalates towards an emotionally devastating climax, such as social exile, mental anguish, or death, highlighting the high cost of choosing passion over propriety.

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The narrative pattern here is an intimate, steady-paced character arc that moves from a state of stability or discontent into a period of transgression, followed by a prolonged and anxious downfall. The story is less about external action and more about charting the protagonist's increasing isolation, despair, and internal conflict as their world closes in around them.

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Anna Karenina Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Anna Karenina, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Anna Karenina Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Anna Karenina

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Anna Karenina. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Anna Karenina

Anna Karenina Spoiler-Free Summary

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Anna Karenina Spoiler-Free Summary

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