The Last Station

Russia, 1910. Tolstoj (Cristopher Plummer), now old and sick, lives his last days of his life supporting and betraying his Tolstojan doctrine at the same time. Chertkov (Paul Giamatti), his most passionate follower, wants him to sign a will in which he leaves all his works and copyright to the Russian people. Sofya (Helen Mirren), his wife, tries to make him change his mind in order to protect her family's interests while reminding him what love really is in her own theatrical and twisted way. The young Valentin Bulgakov (James McAvoy) in in the middle. Sent by Chertkov to spy on Sofya, he feels more and more for the woman who once was the most trusted counselor and friend of Leo and is now a stranger in her own home. But the movie is not only about ideological struggles. It's a movie about love, or better Love, the one you can find only once in your life. That's the love Leo and Sofya used to share and still do, very deep down, and the one Valentin finds in Masha (Kerry Condon). Love is the central point of Tolstoj's doctrine, even if someone seems to forget it. And love is what unites the characters in the end, at the very last station, literally and metaphorically.

The movie, adapted from a novel by Jay Parini, is directed by Michael Hoffman with a great attention for details. Even if the screenplay is weak at times, making the movie move too slow towards the end while the lighter beginning was more balanced, the directing is always impeccable. As much as the incredible set design and costumes. But the best thing of the movie is its cast for sure. Plummer is a master class actor giving us a tormented Tolstoj. Mirren is great as usual and portrays Sofya impeccably, balancing the most humorous side with a bit of desparation which shows in her tantrums. Giamatti is so good that you can't help wanting to slap Chertkov in the face, but you still understand his point of view. And McAvoy confirmes himself as one of the most promising and talented actors of his generation, making you love his character and then breaking your heart into tiny little pieces at the end. No surprise Sony wants to push the movie for the nominations campaign! We'll see what happens. In the meanwhile, you can always enjoy this movie and be moved to laugh and tears by these characters.

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