The Last Station (2009)
Sex scene
| Director: | Michael Hoffman |
| Actors: | James McAvoy, Christopher Plummer, Paul Giamatti, Helen Mirren, Anne-Marie Duff, Kerry Condon |
The last station is a love story set during the last year of the life and turbulent marriage of the great Russian writer Leo Tolstoy (Christopher Plummer) and his wife the Countess Sofya (Helen Mirren). Tolstoy, having rejected his title and embraced an ascetic life style, finds himself increasingly at odds with Sofya. As his devoted disciple Vladimir Chertkov (Paul Giamatti) urges him to sign a new will leaving the rights to his work to the Russian people rather than his family, the conflict between husband and wife grows to breaking point. The whole affair is witnessed by Tolstoy's new secretary, Valentin Bulgakov (James McAvoy), whose burgeoning love for the beautiful and feisty Masha (Kerry Condon) is set against the waning love of Tolstoy and Sofya.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 112mins |
| Origin: | UNITED KINGDOM |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
Tol story
by Simon Miraudo, 1/04/2010 12:49:00 PM
The Last Station is the kind of adult drama that I’m just thankful is still being made. Therefore, I was ecstatic to also find it to be rather good. It features richly drawn characters, stellar performances, and the kind of meaty verbal roundelay that is becoming a rare treat at the cinema. Michael Hoffman’s film depicts beloved Russian writer Leo Tolstoy’s last days and somehow makes it both joyous and sexy. Most importantly, it humanises several historical figures who have been resigned (unfairly) as either untouchable icons or devious villains. But that’s all by the by. The film isn’t nearly as concerned with rewriting history as it is with discussing love. And I suppose there are few topics more worthy of discussion. To call the film one of those ‘love conquers all’ dramas isn’t very ...
The Last Station is the kind of adult drama that I’m just thankful is still being made. Therefore, I was ecstatic to also find it to be rather good. It features richly drawn characters, stellar performances, and the kind of meaty verbal roundelay that is becoming a rare treat at the cinema. Michael Hoffman’s film depicts beloved Russian writer Leo Tolstoy’s last days and somehow makes it both joyous and sexy. Most importantly, it humanises several historical figures who have been resigned (unfairly) as either untouchable icons or devious villains. But that’s all by the by. The film isn’t nearly as concerned with rewriting history as it is with discussing love. And I suppose there are few topics more worthy of discussion.
To call the film one of those ‘love conquers all’ dramas isn’t very accurate. Love (at least, in this film) does not conquer all; it doesn’t even conquer a little. It strangles and suffocates. It curses lives. It might have even killed Leo Tolstoy, whose chaotic marriage to Sophia became as famous as his novels. But The Last Station is not cynical about love. It’s nostalgic and mournful. The love between Leo and Sophia never died. Perhaps if their relationship had remained untouched by his immeasurable celebrity, they could have lived a long happy life together. The Last Station isn’t cynical about love; it suggests that love is too beautiful and perfect to be sustained in this flawed world of ours.
Who better to flesh out such a complex relationship as luminaries Christopher Plummer and Helen Mirren? The two of them are electric as Leo and Sophia. Their screaming matches; their coy flirtations; their desperate pleas to one another. These are two people who have lived a whole lifetime together. Mirren in particular is astounding as the sexually charged wife of the great Tolstoy, desperately trying to maintain her husband’s interest as he becomes more enamoured with social justice than her advances. She was nominated for the Best Actress Oscar at the 2010 Academy Awards; a fact that only makes Sandra Bullock’s win in that category all the more dumbfounding.
Mirren and Plummer may be the two veterans in the cast, but they are not the only actors to give impressive performances. James McAvoy stars as Valentin Bulgakov, Tolstoy’s private secretary and eventual confidant. Valentin was hired by Vladimir Chertkov (Paul Giamatti), one of Tolstoy’s followers, who the author himself deems a better Tolstoyan than he. Chertkov wants Tolstoy to rewrite his will, leaving his works to the people instead of Sophia. Valentin is instructed to spy on Leo and Sophia’s relationship for Chertkov, but he is distracted by the freewheeling Masha (Kerry Condon), a young woman whose zest for life seems both sinful and celebratory.
It’s hard to describe the first half of the film as anything other than a romantic comedy of errors (albeit with a twinge of tragedy). It’s hardly a Carry On film, but The Last Station is livelier, funnier and more buoyant than any film of this subject matter deserves to me. And that’s thanks to writer/director Michael Hoffman’s ability to find a relatable hook. After all, what does the average viewer care about War and Peace? Even within the film, the book is regarded as more of a respected masterpiece than a beloved one. But love stories? Ah, now there’s something to grab onto. From Masha and Valentin’s awkward, virginal (but not for long) romance to the disintegration of Leo and Sophia’s marriage. Even Vladimir, so blinded by love and admiration for Tolstoy that he can no longer remember his original ideals. This film is surprisingly, confrontingly, relatable. The second half of the picture, although darker, is informed greatly by the laughter and love that came before.
I understand that a film about Leo Tolstoy’s last days might not be for everyone. In all honestly, I hardly thought it would be for me. I’ve never read any of his books and I rarely enjoy biopics (particularly those concerned with someone’s final days). But The Last Station finds the humanity in all of its subjects. It’s not an easy film to sell to audiences. Even I, who took great pleasure in the film, am having difficulty in explaining just why that is. Sometimes a film just hits us where it hurts.
4/5
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Member Reviews (46)
46 Member
Reviews
Senorita K
says
Christopher plummer and Helen Mirren just magic. Ideal for the character of Tolstoy and wife Countess Sofya. Wonder scenery and script mostly true to Tolstoys final years. Very enlightening and enjoyable
Lissa
says
Terrific story, great acting, direction and script. Excellent. Interesting to hear James McEvoy speaking in his native accent in the extra bits. The more experienced cast are incredible but young James holds his own.
Bren
says
good story, good acting sad ending overall a great movie well worth watching
kathy
says
a fantastic story, surrounded with beautiful scenery, certainally worth watching
Kate
says
Not riviting, but keeps your interest. Enjoyable.
Annie
says
I wasn't expecting to enjoy it so much, was hooked very quickly.
Great story & magic performances by the cast.
It didn't have the bleak, depressing look of most Russian movies either.
gunalda
says
Really good story based on fact. Sad how people can be manipulated by others. Excellent human profiles in this great story.
3 stars
says
I was gripped from the beginning, only to find after 27 minutes, the DVD was found to be faulty....Elizabeth
Mary Ann
says
Great acting and well written story of the last days of Tolstoy's life and the battle between his wife and his followers over his legacy.
Geoff Kelso
says
Interesting exploration of the last days of Leo Tolstoy's life, but felt more a dramatised observational documentary than a full blooded heart and soul drama. The interviews in the extras section were very tedious. I'm an actor myself but sometimes interviews with the actors of a film can really kill whatever magic the film had.
Kim M
says
Very interesting but very sad-good acting
Jenni
says
Good movie have seen better but ok to watch
Ursula
says
An adaptation of a biographical 'novel' inspired by Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy's (September 9, 1828 – November 20, 1910) final months, and therefore some scenes and dialogues a tad over-dramatized. But it does no harm, as biographical and historical events are depicted accurately. Beautifully filmed, capturing the lights and atmosphere of 1910s Russian country side south of Moscow; costumes and props impeccable. We learn about the power-struggle between Tolstoy's editor and wife and how the great writer couldn't make up his mind to whom he will leave his legacy and the copyright of his works.
Paul Giamatti portrays an excellent hypocritical, opportunist and self-interested Vladimir Chertkov and Christopher Plummer a very believable Tolstoy indeed. Even though James McAvoy as Valentin Bulgakov, Tolstoy's very young last secretary, is a very gifted and touching young actor, I thought the subplot did not fully catch on, but I blame it on the directing. But the entire movie is a magnificent vehicle for Hellen Mirren's immaculate acting talents as Sofya, Tolstoy's wife! BRAVO, she did deserve her awards. I empathised, loved and suffered with her through the entire movie.
Despite a tiny, but tastefully filmed, sex-scene, the movie is watchable for the interested Teenager.
Even if you don't know much about Tolstoy, but you are into brilliantly acted period-drama, this is a very good movie.
p.s. In reality, Countess Sofya bore Tolstoy 13 children and copied out six drafts of his novel "War and Peace" - by hand!!!!!!
SW
says
Thoroughly enjoyable. Having once read a Tolstoy book, I was intrigued to see behind the man and this film gave me an insight not only into him and Russia during the early 1900's but more importantly exposed something we are all searching for and having once attained are forever affected by and that is quite simply love.
XX
says
interesting
Lynne Stringer
says
The Last Station was very well done, and well acted. It is an enjoyable historical drama. I don't know how accurate it is as far as history is concerned, but the story kept moving and was engaging.
ANW
says
Great performances by Helen Mirren and Christopher Plummer. The movie is not for anyone with short attention spans, but if you can give it your full attention you will be rewarded with an excellent adult drama.
kated
says
Same director as Barnes Version, which I loved, but this film unfortunately bored me. Some nice images, scenes and Helen Mirren being feisty failed to excite.
Sandra
says
This was a movie which you really had to concentrate on because it flixed backwards and forwards and at times it was hard to work out what was happening. Overall it was quite enjoyable.
Goeorge B
says
Great Cast, pleasure to watch a true event
glyn
says
It was one brilliantly made movie, with some fantastic actors, Tolstoy is some one that you either now about or know very little about, I fount it riveting, there isn't much action to talk about, but this movie touches your heart.. I loved it..
Jane
says
Excellent story and great actors!
beryl martin
says
Excellent -v true to truth of Tolstoy's death - well [ortrayed.
Alex H
says
A realistic depiction of what happend in Tolstoy's last year in a changing Russia. Sensitive acting and realistic settings of the time.
ROYALS
says
It was just plain boring, really. A futile attempt to cobble together Tolstoy's eccentricity, marriage and relationships with his acolytes into a movie.
ukjo2001
says
Very interesting look at the last few months of Tolstoy's life and the conflict between his own personal ideals and those of his wife, with whom he had lived for 50 years. Deals far more with the personal than with his ideas, though, so don't be put off if you don't know much about his philosophies. Great cast and great character portrayal. Recommend this for any Russian Lit, history or Tolstoy enthusiasts.
Peterpeter
says
This is not a boring movie. I repeat: this is not a boring movie. Ahh, that's better. Mirren and Plummer are superb, as always. Only just works as a period piece, I guess because the old Russian stuff is never light. Similar to visiting the nanna you didn't like when you were eight. You get the feeling the director didn't really care all that much. I gather the real Tolstoy was about as amusing as a cold sore. So is this one.
William C
says
slowish start but funny dramatic and engrossing
Tracy
says
oh dear cant remember much about this one, watched it a while ago maybe it wasnt much.
I think it was about a wrtier, i think it was ok to watch once.
June
says
Although the historial information about Tolstoy was interesting, I thought the movie was rather bland.
finn
says
This movie seemed very long and slow. I think you may need to be a big fan of Leo Tolstoy and interested in the beginnings of socialism have a true interest in this movie.
Rory
says
The same old period piece movie with Helen Mirrem on loan from the set of a Peter Greenaway film but with added wrinkles. Yawn.
Leesha
says
This film was not high on my must see list, however I was pleasantly surprised. Beautifully filmed and superb acting all around.
toad_hall
says
An intelligent and rivetingly beautiful film. All were superb, but who can rate Helen Mirren? She's a remarkable interpeter of a character and makes her come alive. Generally a great movie!
Helen
says
Fantastic acting by Helen Mirren and Christopher Plummer -- would help if you know a little of the history, but if not, it is still very worthwhile watching
anita
says
enjoyed this, great actors
Matthew B.
says
A very well acted film, top cast. Looks good, sounds great. Not boring. Great dialogue.
kimbo
says
A historical drama that illustrates Russian author Leo Tolstoy's struggle to balance fame and wealth with his commitment to a life devoid of material things
Period pieces are usually slow and boring. This film is no exception. Great cast that had nothing to work with
Daph
says
Slow and too long, but held our interest.
Marg F
says
I understood the plot even though I was not familiar with Tolstoy.
Brilliantly portrayed . Helen Mirren firey
gol
says
Overall disappointing, very shallow storyline. Limited information about Tolstoys past other than his heroic reputation that is held by the Russian people. The movie is a ongoing love story late in life that deals with his 48 year marriage to a hot-tempered volatile wife. His manipulative followers are trying to become the benefactors of his great writings on behalf of the people. This action is violently opposed by his wife; she wants his works to remain in the family. There is another romance between two of his younger followers which is a token subplot to give the film some substance. Unless you are a massive Tolstoy fan movie........ not recommended.
CF
says
Excellent story, well-acted by Helen Mirren
Janine
says
With such an interesting cast I'd hoped for more with this movie. If you don't know the history it's a bit confusing, but still good to watch for the locations, costumes, lifestyle etc.
Ann E.
says
Stories from history can be confussing and slow so with not knowing the story before hand I found it very tame BUT Christopher Plummer
JS
says
Films based on true stories always appeal to me and this was no exception. Enjoyed the movie.
gunung
says
A rather ordinary film: not much of interest except the biographical information about Tolstoy's post authorial interest in politics - and I'm not wholly confident that any of it was true.