Trailer Spot: Anna Karenina

Anna Karenina

Well guys February is fast approaching and the trailer for Anna Karenina has begun airing in cinemas. It was released online before Christmas and I first saw it on YouTube, but seeing it on the big screen gives it a larger impact. Director Joe Wright brings us another film adaption of a classic novel, with Keira Knightley once again cast as his lead in the title role. Based on current reviews Anna Karenina scored 65% on Rotten Tomatoes, a solid score achieving a fresh rating, however far from the critical success of Wright's Pride and Prejudice (2005) which scored 85%.

Plot: A Russian high society woman engages in a destructive affair with a wealthy land owner, bringing shame upon their families and sparking a scandal that rattles the fabric of Russian society. 

Judging from the trailer Anna Karenina is going to be an emotional roller coaster of passion, lust, betrayal and tragedy. If you've read the novel as I have, you already know the ending, but what do you think about Wright's adaptation? Does it appear faithful to the novel? Do you think Keira Knightley suits the role of Mrs Karenina? Personally I think she has a natural flair for period pieces, but leave your comments below and be sure to catch Anna Karenina in Australian cinemas February 14th. 

Review: Les Miserables

Les Miserables

Isabelle Allen as young Cosette (Taken from Studio Briefing)

Directed by Tom Hooper

Starring (in alphabetical order):

-Isabelle Allen
-Samantha Barks

-Helena Bonham Carter

-Sacha Baron Cohen

-Russell Crowe

-Anne Hathaway

-Hugh Jackman

-Eddie Redmayne

-Amanda Seyfried

Running Time: 158 Minutes

The Oscar buzz surrounding Tom Hooper's adaptation of the famous musical Les Miserables has been high. With Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and Hooper himself all expecting nominations the star studded film seems to be reaping the rewards of success. Reviews have been mixed but generally positive. The film scored a 70% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a little less than I personally think the film deserves. Although I have to agree with Adam Lambert, Russell Crowe's singing was a tad off, but his effort is highly commendable.

Anne Hathway (Fantine) (Taken from Just Jared)

I am one of those newbies to the story, having never read Victor Hugo's novel, or seen any of the plays or previous films. I found the story touching. The plot centers on a diverse array of characters; a woman forced into prostitution, the bastard daughter of that woman, an ex convict who broke his parole and turned his life around, and the jailer who hunts him. Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen made brilliant performances as innkeepers who had custody of young Cosette; humorous and terrifying, they are the villains any movie goer loves to hate.

For the most part the musical numbers were incredible. Anne Hathaway's rendition of I Dreamed A Dream, the mouthpiece of the entire marketing campaign put me to tears, as it just emanated suffering, the loss of dignity, pride and moral degradation. Hugh Jackman and Samantha Barks also made brilliant performances.

Les Miserables is a must see film of Summer 2013.

 I give it a solid score of:

8.5/10