Anna Karenina Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A woman chooses between her boring husband and a hot guy, with predictably tragic results for everyone involved…except maybe the hot guy, who just joins the army.

🍿 Anna Karenina: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Arrival in Moscow and Meeting Vronsky

Anna Karenina, a married aristocratic woman, travels to Moscow to help her brother Stiva reconcile with his wife, Dolly. At the train station, she meets the dashing Count Vronsky, a cavalry officer, and they are immediately drawn to each other. This initial meeting sets the stage for a passionate and ultimately tragic love affair that will defy the conventions of Imperial Russia.

The Ball and Confession

During a ball, Vronsky openly courts Anna, further fueling her inner turmoil between duty and desire. Despite her attraction to Vronsky, Anna initially attempts to return to her husband, Karenin, and her son, Sergei, in St. Petersburg, hoping to maintain a semblance of normalcy. However, Vronsky follows her, intensifying the emotional conflict and societal scrutiny.

A Doomed Affair

Anna and Vronsky’s affair becomes increasingly difficult to conceal, causing significant repercussions within their social circles. Karenin, a high-ranking government official, refuses to grant Anna a divorce, fearing the scandal it would bring upon his career and reputation. This refusal traps Anna in a loveless marriage while she yearns for a life with Vronsky, creating unbearable tension.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Anna Karenina (Greta Garbo): A married aristocratic woman who embarks on a passionate and tragic affair, facing societal repercussions.
• Count Vronsky (Fredric March): A dashing cavalry officer who falls in love with Anna, leading to a doomed affair.
• Alexei Alexandrovitch Karenin (Basil Rathbone): Anna’s cold and unforgiving husband, a high-ranking government official who refuses to grant her a divorce.
• Sergei (Freddie Bartholomew): Anna’s beloved son, who becomes a casualty of her choices.
• Kitty (Maureen O’Sullivan): A young woman initially hoping for Vronsky’s affection, who eventually finds love elsewhere.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Vronsky: “When I leave you, I’m lost in a world of strangers. When I touch your hand, we’re alone.” – Vronsky expresses his intense feelings for Anna during a brief encounter, highlighting their secluded connection.
• Anna Karenina: “I return you to the world!” – Anna jokingly says switching dance partners with Vronsky in a ball, which expresses her social imprisonment.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1,152,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Anna Karenina Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely swept away by Greta Garbo’s performance. She embodies Anna’s conflict between duty and desire so perfectly. The scene where she says goodbye to her son is so heartbreaking. Seeing it, I understood the sacrifices women were forced to make back then. The film is a classic, and seeing it now, I understand why.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood cinema”
  • “Admirers of Greta Garbo”
  • “Lovers of tragic romance stories”
  • “Those interested in adaptations of classic literature”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Adultery”
  • “Suicide”
  • “Emotional distress”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Garbo’s portrayal of Anna is magnetic, capturing the character’s inner turmoil with grace. While the film condenses Tolstoy’s epic, it retains the emotional core, making it a compelling watch. The sweeping sets and costumes transport viewers to Imperial Russia, but it’s Garbo’s performance that truly resonates.
• Variety: “A lavish production that showcases MGM’s talent for spectacle. Garbo shines as Anna, conveying the character’s passion and despair. The film effectively captures the tragic consequences of societal constraints on personal freedom. Basil Rathbone delivers a great performance as the stoic husband, but Frederic March feels out of place as the charming heartthrob.

Audience Reactions

Garbo’s acting is amazing!: Everyone agrees that Greta Garbo’s performance is captivating.

Amazing period set design.: People love the lavish, authentic recreation of Imperial Russia.

Overall Consensus: A beautifully produced and acted adaptation of Tolstoy’s classic novel, primarily praised for Garbo’s unforgettable performance. Frederic March appears to be miscast.

Awards

1. Venice Film Festival (Mussolini Cup for Best Foreign Film)- 1935

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Greta Garbo had previously played Anna Karenina in a silent film adaptation titled ‘Love’ (1927) with John Gilbert, however she was dissatisfied with the movie’s happy ending.”
• “Greta Garbo and Freddie Bartholomew initially formed a close bond on set, but it dissolved after he asked for her autograph for his uncle, leaving him dismayed for life.”
• “Director Clarence Brown was known for his quiet direction of Garbo, often whispering instructions so others on set wouldn’t hear, due to her shyness and slight inferiority complex regarding her English.”

🖥️ How to Watch Anna Karenina?

As a classic film, ‘Anna Karenina’ (1935) is available for purchase on platforms like Amazon. Check local listings for potential broadcast options or rental opportunities. Availability may vary depending on your region. Keep an eye on streaming services like Prime Video and Apple TV, where it may periodically appear as part of their classic movie offerings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Anna Karenina, you might like these similar films:

• Camille (1936): Starring Greta Garbo, it also depicts a tragic romance with a woman facing social consequences for her love.
• Love Affair (1939): It features a couple falling in love amidst challenging circumstances, exploring themes of destiny and sacrifice, and the power of love.
• Waterloo Bridge (1940): Its is a tragic romance set against the backdrop of war and societal expectations, depicting a love affair with devastating consequences, similar to the tone of Anna Karenina.
• Atonement (2007): It explores themes of love, guilt, and social class with tragic consequences, reflecting some of the emotional depth found in Anna Karenina.

🛒 Anna Karenina Related Products

• Anna Karenina (Penguin Classics) Paperback – Unabridged, August 30, 2001: Read the full, unabridged classic novel by Leo Tolstoy. This timeless story comes in a quality Penguin Classics edition, perfect for reading alongside the film or on its own. Explore the full depth of the characters and themes.
• Anna Karenina (Blu-ray): Own the digitally remastered Greta Garbo version of Anna Karenina on Blu-ray. Enjoy enhanced picture and sound quality, bringing the beauty and drama of the film to life. Includes special features and bonus content.
• Russian Imperial Era Brooch – Inspired by Anna Karenina: Inspired by the lavish jewelry worn in the film, this brooch captures the opulence of Imperial Russia. A beautiful, elegant piece perfect for fans of historical dramas and classic films. High-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.
• Anna Karenina: A Wearable Art Poster T-Shirt: Show your love for classic cinema and Tolstoy’s masterpiece with this unique T-shirt. Features a vintage-inspired design. Comfortable and stylish, it’s the perfect way to express your passion for literature and film.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “None But the Lonely Heart (Nur Wer die Sehnsucht Kennt)” – performed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Anna Karenina Animated Summary

Struggling to remember the plot of *Anna Karenina*? This animated summary is a lifesaver! It’s a quick and fun way to refresh your memory before diving into the movie. Honestly, I wish all classic novels had these!

Why Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina Is My Favourite Novel

Ever wonder why people rave about *Anna Karenina*? This video explains why it’s considered a masterpiece, from someone who’s clearly passionate about it. I found his arguments super convincing – you might just want to read (or re-read) the book after watching!

Tolstoy’s Depiction of Women in “Anna Karenina”

Want a deeper understanding of Anna Karenina’s struggles? This video analyzes how Tolstoy portrayed women in the novel and the societal pressures they faced. It’s amazing how relevant these themes still are today!

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