🎯 Quick Overview

Trailer

Director: Michael Hoffman
Genre: Biography, Drama, Romance
Release year: 2009
Runtime (length): 1h 52min
IMDb rating: 6.9/10 (19K votes)
Rotten Tomatoes: 59%

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😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

An elderly writer causes family drama by wanting to give away all his stuff to a bunch of hippies, while his wife just wants to keep the royalties rolling in.

🍿 The Last Station: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Tolstoy’s Final Year: Fame and Ideals

In 1910, Leo Tolstoy, now more a spiritual leader than an author, grapples with the conflict between his fame, wealth, and his commitment to a simple, ascetic life. His teachings have spawned the Tolstoyan movement, advocating for peace, non-violence, and rejection of material possessions. This creates tension within his family, particularly with his wife, Sofya.

The Battle for Tolstoy’s Legacy

Vladimir Chertkov, Tolstoy’s devoted follower, is determined to secure Tolstoy’s literary legacy for the Russian people. He urges Tolstoy to sign a new will, relinquishing copyright control and donating his works to the public domain. Countess Sofya vehemently opposes this, desiring to secure financial stability for her family through the royalties.

Valentin’s Dilemma: Loyalty and Love

Young Valentin Bulgakov arrives as Tolstoy’s secretary, caught between the clashing ideologies of Chertkov and Sofya. He witnesses the emotional turmoil and power struggles within the household. Valentin also experiences a personal awakening through his relationship with Masha, a free-spirited Tolstoyan, further complicating his loyalties.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

If you plan to watch the movie first, watch here and come back to this section afterward.

See Spoilers and Ending

Tolstoy’s Departure and Death (Spoiler)

Driven to exhaustion and despair by the conflict, Tolstoy secretly leaves his estate. He seeks solace in a simple life, but falls ill during his journey. Tolstoy dies at a remote railway station in Astapovo, surrounded by media attention. The ending highlights the tension between Tolstoy’s desire for a private, humble existence and his unavoidable celebrity.

Sofya’s Reconciliation and Aftermath (Spoiler)

After Tolstoy’s departure, Sofya attempts suicide, overwhelmed by grief and regret. Although initially prevented from seeing Tolstoy on his deathbed, she is ultimately granted a final moment of reconciliation. Five years after Tolstoy’s death, the Russian government restores copyright control of his works to Sofya and the Tolstoy family, a bittersweet victory.

Significance of the Ending (Spoiler)

The ending underscores the complex legacy of Tolstoy, showing the lasting impact of both his philosophical ideals and his personal life. It suggests that Tolstoy’s complex relationship with his wife ultimately humanizes him, as it shows his difficulty following his ideals. The movie highlights that neither side fully “wins”, as Sofya gets the copyright back, however at the cost of Tolstoy’s death. The last station represents a stop in Tolstoy’s journey that he could not come back from.

🎬 Cast & Characters

Leo Tolstoy (Christopher Plummer): The celebrated Russian author struggles between his fame, wealth, and commitment to a life devoid of material possessions, leading to conflict within his family.
Sofya (Helen Mirren): Leo Tolstoy’s wife passionately opposes her husband’s plans to relinquish his copyrights, leading to intense clashes and emotional turmoil.
Valentin (James McAvoy): A naive young man hired as Tolstoy’s secretary finds himself caught between Tolstoy’s ideals, his wife’s demands, and his own developing understanding of love and life.
Chertkov (Paul Giamatti): Tolstoy’s devoted disciple and leader of the Tolstoyan movement seeks to secure Tolstoy’s legacy for the Russian people, often at odds with Tolstoy’s family.
Sasha (Anne-Marie Duff): Tolstoy’s daughter is a committed follower of her father’s teachings, which places her at odds with her mother’s more traditional views.

💬 Memorable Quotes

Leo Tolstoy: “Your youth and your desire for happiness reminds me cruelly of my age and the impossibility of happiness for me.” – Tolstoy reflects on the contrast between his youthful desires and current state.
Leo Tolstoy: “For those first years, we were incredibly happy, terrifyingly happy.” – Tolstoy reminisces about the intense happiness he shared with Sofya early in their marriage.
Sofya: “Is love not enough?” – Sofya expresses her frustration and desire for Tolstoy to prioritize their love and family over his ideals.

💰Box Office

Budget: $18,000,000
Domestic Gross: $6,617,867
Worldwide Gross: $20,554,320

💥 The Last Station Reviews

Personal Review

I found this film incredibly moving, especially Helen Mirren’s portrayal of Sofya. The emotional turmoil she displays is both heartbreaking and relatable. I was especially touched by the ending when Sofya is finally allowed to see Tolstoy before he passes, it brought tears to my eyes. The costumes and scenery were beautifully done and took me right to Russia.

Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of historical dramas”
- “Viewers interested in biographical stories of literary figures”
- “Those who appreciate strong performances from acclaimed actors”
- “Lovers of period pieces set in Russia”
Content warnings ⚠:
- “Some nudity”
- “Sexual content”
- “Brief violence”
- “Mature themes related to marital conflict”

Professional Reviews

Collider.com: “The film beautifully portrays Tolstoy as a man aware of his inability to live up to his own ideals. It highlights how his image and words are twisted into the ideals of those who’ve lost their way. The acting, cinematography, and costumes are superb, making it a funny and moving film about love.
IMDb: “A very good film with an excellent cast that shows the strengths and weaknesses of the characters. It explores the disparity between Tolstoy’s wish for a good life for peasants and the reality of those peasants toiling while the upper class lives in angst. The growing struggle between the disciple and the wife keeps you engaged.
MovieWeb: “The main tension comes between Vladimir, who wants Tolstoy to bequeath his copyrights to “The Russian People” and Sofya, who naturally would like the copyrights reserved for herself and family.

Audience Reactions

Helen Mirren’s and Christopher Plummer’s performances were captivating and emotionally resonant.: Viewers appreciated the film’s exploration of love, legacy, and the complexities of relationships, as well as the beautiful cinematography and costumes.

Overall Consensus: The film is generally well-regarded for its strong performances, particularly by Mirren and Plummer, but some find the plot slow-paced and lacking depth.

Awards

Satellite Award (Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama)- 2009

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🛠️ Behind the Scenes

“Anthony Quinn owned the rights to Jay Parini’s novel for years, hoping to star as Tolstoy but the film wasn’t made until after his death. He is thanked in the end credits.”
“Filming took place at Yasnaya Polyana, Russia, Tolstoy’s actual estate, adding authenticity to the historical drama.”
“James McAvoy and Anne-Marie Duff, who play Valentin and Sasha respectively, were married in real life during filming, adding another layer to their characters’ interactions.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Last Station?

The Last Station is available to rent or buy on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. Check your local listings for streaming options. Physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) can be purchased online through retailers like Amazon and major movie outlets. Availability may vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Last Station, you might like these similar films:

Mrs. Lowry & Son (2019): Explores the complex relationship between an artist and his mother, similar to Tolstoy’s dynamic with Sofya.
Séraphine (2008): A biopic of a French painter and her patron, delving into themes of artistic passion and personal sacrifice, similar to the themes presented in The Last Station.
The Age of Innocence (1993): Set in a similar historical period with focus on social class and relationship dynamics.

🛒 The Last Station Related Products

War and Peace (Vintage Classics): A beautifully bound edition of Tolstoy’s epic novel. A timeless classic that explores themes of love, war, and Russian society.
Anna Karenina (Penguin Classics): Another of Tolstoy’s epic novels, that dives deep into the topics of adultery, love, and societal expectations.
Russian Nesting Dolls Matryoshka – Leo Tolstoy: A unique set of nesting dolls featuring images of the famous author and his family.
The Complete Short Stories of Leo Tolstoy: A wonderful collection of Tolstoy’s short stories. Perfect for the Tolstoy fan who has already read Anna Karenina and War and Peace and wants to read more.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Last Station features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

“Un bel dì vedremo” – performed by Giacomo Puccini, Performed by Miriam Gauci

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

Where was The Last Station filmed?

The Last Station was filmed in various locations, including Yasnaya Polyana, Russia (Tolstoy’s actual estate), and Germany, to recreate the pre-revolutionary Russian setting.

Is The Last Station based on a true story?

Yes, The Last Station is based on the historical novel of the same name by Jay Parini, which draws inspiration from the real-life events surrounding Leo Tolstoy’s final year and the conflicts within his family.

What is the Tolstoyan movement?

The Tolstoyan movement was a social movement based on the philosophical and religious ideas of Leo Tolstoy. It advocated for pacifism, non-violence, simple living, and a rejection of private property and state authority. It had a significant influence on figures like Mahatma Gandhi.

What is the meaning behind the title “The Last Station”?

The title refers to the Astapovo railway station, the remote train station where Tolstoy died. It symbolizes the end of Tolstoy’s life journey and his attempt to seek a simpler, more solitary existence away from the conflicts surrounding him. It also represents the finality of death.

🔥 Bonus Content

James McAvoy – He Called Me Baby

Ever wondered what ‘The Last Station’ would look like set to a catchy tune? This fan-made video is surprisingly well-done and features some great moments with James McAvoy. It’s a fun way to relive the movie!

JAMES McAVOY ANS THE LAST STATION INTERVIEW

Want to hear James McAvoy talk about ‘The Last Station’? He shares some cool behind-the-scenes stories and discusses working with his wife on set! Plus, he even touches on 50 Cent being a ‘Shameless’ fan—totally worth a watch.

Screen Legends Tell Tolstoy’s Tale – ABC News

Get ready to hear Helen Mirren and Christopher Plummer discuss their roles in ‘The Last Station’! It’s fascinating to see how these screen legends approached Tolstoy’s story. Their acting is brilliant and it really worth understanding how they prepared.

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