“The Last Station”, an impressive look at a literary legendA
Written by Stan Robinson on Saturday, 06 February 2010 00:00   

We’ve all had to read Leo Tolstoy’s classic “War and Peace” or have seen the classic film directed by the legendary King Vidor in 1956. It starred Audrey Hepburn, Henry Fonda, and Mel Ferrer. We’ve all seen photos of the bearded author taken in his later years, but know little of his private life. “The Last Station” gives us a glimpse into the last four years of his life from 1910 to his death in 1914… We are brought into 1910 and to Tolstoy’s world in a period historical drama that illustrates Russian author eo Tolstoy’s (Christopher Plummer) struggle to balance fame and wealth with his commitment to a life devoid of material things. We learn that the Countess Sofya (Helen Mirren), his wife and muse, uses every trick of seduction on her husband’s loyal disciple (Paul Giamatti), whom she believes was the person responsible for Tolstoy signing a new will that leaves his work and property to the Russian people.

“The Last Station” is an engaging film with various plot lines as the picture is painted of each of the closet people to Tolstoy while we examine their motives. The cast of veteran actors, deliver extraordinary performances, and the cinematography along with set design presents a look of 1910 Russian society, political, and religious convictions along with a view of Leo Tolstoy, that’s captivating to watch! Starring Christopher Plummer, James McAvoy, Helen Mirren, Paul Giamatti, Anne-Marie Duff, Kerry Condon, and Patrick Kennedy. Written and directed by Michael Hoffman. Sony Pictures Classics release. Rated R for a scene of sexuality/nudity. Runtime: 112 minutes.

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