-
-
Related
The Last Station
Rating: 8/10
Cast: Christopher Plummer, Paul Giamatti, Helen Mirren, James McAvoy, Kerry Condon, Anne Marie Duff
Director: Michael Hoffman
Oscar nominated and finally on the big screen in New Zealand, The Last Station is about Leo Tolstoy and the final year of his life.
As time begins to take its toll on Tolstoy (Plummer), his fervent disciples, lead by Paul Giamatti's Vladimir Chertkov are trying desperately to get him to change his will to leave them everything. That way, they can be guaranteed that his work survives.
However, one thing standing in their way - and with a fair degree of reason on her side - is his wife, Sofya (Mirren).
Thrust into this stand off is a brand new secretary (James McAvoy) who is sent by Chertkov to spy on what goes on. But even though he's a dedicated Tolstoyian, the secretary comes to question what's going on.
There's plenty to enjoy in The Last Station - thanks to a rich script and a beautifully shot story, you'll find yourself captivated by it all.
But it's the two lead actors who really take your breath away; it's clear to see why these two were lavished with Oscar nominations this year - and it's also a shame that they lost out. It's a marvellous towering performance from Christopher Plummer as Tolstoy himself and an even better performance from Helen Mirren as his wife Sofya, which really hold your attention throughout the 2 hours.
Sadly the last half hour of the film feels a little drawn out - which is a shame as this is the emotional crux of the film and the pacing feels a bit off; perhaps that's because we're so spoilt early on with the mix of melodrama, politics, greed and wit.
With wonderful characters and pitch note performances from all involved, The Last Station is a great, if ever so slightly overlong watch.
Watch the Trailer for The Last Station here
