This is the best version of Anna Karenina I have ever seen. I was ecstatic, especially after the first episode! I can't imagine it being beaten by any versions I watch in future.
This version combines brilliant, compelling television with impressive fidelity to Tolstoy. It is fantastic to watch as a show in its own right, but it is also so true to the novel's thematic and symbolic purpose. It feels made by people who absolutely love the novel and want to bring out all its subtext.
Anna and Levin are included on an (almost) level pegging, and the film benefits hugely from that. The juxtaposition is perfectly conveyed between Anna and Vronsky's whirlwind passion, which lacks much else to sustain them, and Levin and Kitty's dedication, long-term persistence through rough times, and commitment to values beyond just the gratification of their own feelings. That is an important thematic part of the book - Anna's pure feelings-based approach, versus Levin's commitment to something beyond that - and it is transposed so faithfully in this miniseries. (Obviously, Tolstoy is nothing if not a man of God. This is partly a religious message about one couple who trust in God and do not make life all about themselves, versus another who (however sympathetic) flout God and marriage to pursue their own desires.)
I love how, on that theme, the film isn't shy of exploring Levin's flaws. We see Kitty not particularly bonding with him in the first few months, because he's so annoying. But just like in the novel, she shows Levin the loyal hard graft and teamwork that marriage is. (When she insists on helping him care for Nikolay!) It is through these values that they achieve ultimate happiness. This is very consistent with the novel and a very inspiring lesson for all of life.
It includes so many vital scenes absent from other adaptations. Kitty's sojourn at the military hospital is included - as is Varenka! This is a vital part of Kitty's arc, as it helps her grow out of vanity and look outside herself more. Even the disabled soldier who falls in love with her is included. That is how you know these filmmakers love the novel! Again, that storyline links to the broader theme about the best romantic relationships being defined by commitment, not breathless infatuation. Of course, it is right that he goes back to his wife.
(Shoutout to Kitty in general actually. Her actress is wonderful.)
The Anna/Vronsky storyline is also done so well. The ballroom where they dance for the first time is exquisite. The buildup to them getting together is very well-realised, and builds up tantalisingly slowly. It makes their relationship feel like a genuine payoff. Frou-Frou's death is genuinely sad to watch, and it is more than enough foreshadowing that Anna and Vronsky's impulsiveness and passion - however compelling to watch - are not going to end well. A special shoutout has to go to Vittoria Puccini - my absolute favourite Anna across the adaptations I have seen. She is phenomenal. She conveys Anna's charisma and gravitas brilliantly, but also her dangerous depths of passion that fester into erratic and self-destructive behaviour.
There are just two things that bar this miniseries from perfection. The first is that Levin's actor is slightly too old. He is quite physically imposing, which I don't think Levin should be. He's got his personality pretty spot-on, and his relationship with Kitty is wonderful. It's just not what Levin should look like - in my opinion! He should be more youthful.
The second is that Stiva Oblonsky has been significantly reduced, and he has no scenes with Levin. That is a shame, because Stiva and Levin's conversations about life are a crucial part of Anna Karenina. We don't see the geeky, debating side of Levin in this film much, precisely because Stiva isn't there to bring it out in him. That is a crucial part of humanising Levin, and so its absence is a shame. Also, Stiva is a wonderful character in his own right, symbolising how even people who do unpleasant things (adultery) can be likeable and charming in other ways.
But they are my only complaints; this is a phenomenal production overall and definitely the best we have had so far. It combines faithfulness to Tolstoy, thematic richness, and fantastic character interpretations with very satisfying production values. And to reiterate - Vittoria Puccini's performance as Anna is second to none.
