Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

So I recently watched the 2017 Russian adaptation of Anna Karenina, an eight-part series by Mosfilm (one of the largest and oldest film studios in the Russian Federation and in Europe, according to Wikipedia). This one takes a unique narrative approach, presenting the story from Vronsky’s perspective.

Let me tell you—I was absolutely enthralled. From the acting to the costumes, the sets to the overall production quality, I liked almost everything about this adaptation, except for a few scenes and bits here and there. The performances felt authentic and moving, capturing the essence of the novel’s characters with remarkable fidelity.

So satisfying was this adaptation that I’m not eager to seek out others. Somehow, I feel that no other version could match the artistry of this one. I’d like to explore more films and series by this studio, and I most certainly will.

And I don't know why it's got such low ratings: 6.3/10 on IMDb and 17% on Rotten Tomatoes. It DESERVES much higher!

Watching this adaptation renewed my appreciation for Tolstoy’s novel, which I read some years ago.

Ah, that memorable opening line!

If you’re a fan of literary adaptations or simply looking for a visually stunning series, you should watch Mosfilm’s Anna Karenina. I'm happy I did, and I'll be thinking about it for some time.

It's available on YouTube.

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