Anna Karenina$product

In 19th-century Russia, Tolstoy's tragic Anna Karenina leaves her old, cold husband for the dashing Count Vronsky. Vivien Leigh delivers a stunning performance as the unhappily married Anna, whose neglectful husband Alexei drives her into the arms of Vronsky. Their scandalous affair leads to Anna's alienation from high society and the heartbreaking loss of her beloved son.

Directed by Julien Duvivier, the 1948 adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's classic novel may have moments that feel as long and cold as a Russian winter night, but Leigh's portrayal of the doomed Anna lights up the screen. Similar to the willful Scarlett O'Hara from Gone with the Wind, Anna's reckless and selfish actions lead to her downfall with no chance for redemption.

Despite its high-minded prestige and Tolstoy's name above the title, this film offers simple, old-fashioned pleasures reminiscent of Hollywood melodramas. Donald Liebenson captures the essence of the film perfectly with his description of Leigh's performance as keeping "the fires burning" amidst the cold and dark backdrop of Anna's tragic story.

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