Lovers of classic costume drama will enjoy this lavish version of Tolstoy's romance. The luminous Sophie Marceau plays Anna who, although married to the much older Karenin (James Fox), falls for the handsome Count Vronski (Sean Bean). Writer/director Bernard Rose has created a feast for the eyes in this lush production, much of it shot in St Petersburg. Although Marceau and Bean convey the required passion, their characterisations seem rather shallow. Never mind, there are fine supporting performances from Fox, Alfred Molina, and Mia Kirshner. Nit-picking apart, this is a thoroughly enjoyable piece.

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