Anna Karenina | 2012

Main Plot

Set in the opulent world of late 19th-century Russian aristocracy, Anna Karenina follows the life of its titular character, a respected and elegant woman married to a high-ranking government official, Alexei Karenin. Anna’s world is turned upside down when she meets the charming and passionate Count Vronsky, igniting a romance that defies the rigid social norms of the time. As their affair deepens, Anna finds herself torn between her responsibilities as a wife and mother and her overwhelming desire for Vronsky. The scandal of their relationship sends ripples through St. Petersburg society, leading to increasing isolation and emotional turmoil for Anna. Amidst the backdrop of lavish balls and strict societal codes, Anna’s pursuit of true love comes at a devastating cost, ultimately culminating in tragedy as she struggles to find happiness and acceptance in a world unwilling to forgive her transgressions.

Characters

• Keira Knightley portrays Anna Karenina, a beautiful and restless aristocrat trapped in a loveless marriage. Her passionate affair challenges the boundaries of society and her own desires.
• Jude Law plays Alexei Karenin, Anna’s stoic and dutiful husband. His struggle with pride and forgiveness becomes central as his world unravels.
• Aaron Taylor-Johnson is Count Alexei Vronsky, the charming officer who becomes Anna’s lover. His pursuit of love tests his convictions and the consequences of forbidden romance.

Ending Explained

As Anna Karenina’s affair with Count Vronsky deepens, the consequences of their relationship become increasingly severe. Alienated from her husband and ostracized by society, Anna’s emotional turmoil intensifies, leading her to feel isolated and desperate. The social pressures and her own insecurities drive a wedge between her and Vronsky, whose affection seems to wane under the weight of scandal and public scrutiny. Overwhelmed by jealousy and convinced that she has lost everything, Anna makes a tragic decision, ending her life by throwing herself in front of a train. This act not only marks the devastating culmination of her internal struggle but also leaves Vronsky shattered and directionless. Meanwhile, the parallel storyline of Levin and Kitty offers a contrasting resolution, as they find hope and fulfillment in their honest, if imperfect, love. The film closes by juxtaposing Anna’s tragic fate with the possibility of redemption and happiness for others, underscoring the harsh realities of societal judgment and the enduring search for meaning in love and life.