The Last Station

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Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics
Germany, Russia, UK • 2009 • in English • 112 min • Not Rated

After almost fifty years of marriage, the Countess Sofya (Helen Mirren), Leo Tolstoy’s (Christopher Plummer) devoted wife, passionate lover, muse and secretary—she’s copied out War and Peace six times…by hand!—suddenly finds her entire world turned upside down. In the name of his newly created religion, the great Russian novelist has renounced his noble title, his property and even his family in favor of poverty, vegetarianism and even celibacy. After she’s born him thirteen children!

When Sofya then discovers that Tolstoy’s trusted disciple, Chertkov (Paul Giamatti)—whom she despises—may have secretly convinced her husband to sign a new will, leaving the rights to his iconic novels to the Russian people rather than his very own family, she is consumed by righteous outrage. This is the last straw. Using every bit of cunning, every trick of seduction in her considerable arsenal, she fights fiercely for what she believes is rightfully hers. The more extreme her behavior becomes, however, the more easily Chertkov is able to persuade Tolstoy of the damage she will do to his glorious legacy.

Into this minefield wanders Tolstoy’s worshipful new assistant, the young, gullible Valentin (James McAvoy). In no time, he becomes a pawn, first of the scheming Chertkov and then of the wounded, vengeful Sofya as each plots to undermine the other’s gains. Complicating Valentin’s life even further is the overwhelming passion he feels for the beautiful, spirited Masha (Kerry Condon), a free thinking adherent of Tolstoy’s new religion whose unconventional attitudes about sex and love both compel and confuse him. Infatuated with Tolstoy’s notions of ideal love, but mystified by the Tolstoys’ rich and turbulent marriage, Valentin is ill equipped to deal with the complications of love in the real world.

A tale of two romances, one beginning, one near its end, The Last Station is a complex, funny, rich and emotional story about the difficulty of living with love and the impossibility of living without it.

Club reactions by city:

moderated by Matthew Bernstein
with guest Eleanor Ringel-Cater, Atlanta Journal Constitution Film Critic

Nearly perfect. Outstanding performances, beautifully shot, perfectly complementary music, all supporting the big themes of love and freedom, the tyranny of political orthodoxy and the struggle to maintain the self.

Surprisingly funny and heartbreakingly touching. The relationshp between the Countess and Tolstoy was so deeply layered with history, passion, love, humor, betrayal, and then, ultimately back to love. A joy to watch.

A fabulous period piece! Exquisite in every regard.

moderated by Brittain Smith
with guest George Robinson, Jewish Week Film Critic

Masterful. Academy Award performance for Mirren.

An amazing tribute, a film in all aspiects reaching perfection. A gift.

Beautifully crafted and haunting ... Wonderful photography and scenery.

moderated by Mike Budd
with guest George Robinson, Jewish Week Film Critic

Loved the emotion vs. the intellect.

Just hand the Oscar to Helen Mirren right now!!

Fabulous! That's why I joined the club--- it may have slipped by me if I wasn't a member.

moderated by Patrice Petro

Outstanding film! Superb acting, I knew very little about Tolstoy before watching this film, but I learned a great deal by the time it was over.

I felt like I was seeing Leo and Sofya, not Christopher and Helen. Too bad the 'movement' generated the very conflict it was supposed to eliminate. Of course when you negate family and passion, what is the point?

This is why I love going to movies--for the rare chance to see all the elements of fine filmmaking come together in sheer perfection.

moderated by Michael Kerbel
with guest John Anderson, Newsday Film Critic

This was one of the finest movies I have ever seen. EVERYTHING about the film was superb. What a cast! The love between Tolstoy and Sofya made me cry.

Helen Mirren's multi-layered character -- lover, mother, political antagonist -- was so complex as to keep me intrigued and mesmerized for two hours!

The best of all films shown since I've been a Cinema Club member -- 8 or 9 years!

moderated by Peter L. Stein
with guest Ruthe Stein, San Francisco Chronicle Film Critic

Showed how once again idealism slams up against life and often becomes tyranny.

A beautiful love story, exquisite cinematography - bravo.

I knew nothing about this history and found the film extremely moving - thank you!

moderated by Diane Carson
with guest Joe Williams, St. Louis Post-Dispatch Film Critic

Human emotion overflows between the spouses in this monumental story of pre-revolutionary Russia. The acting was as good as anything I've ever seen. Three cheers to all involved int his epic movie.

Absolutely superb! Well-written, directed, acted. Best Russian-themed movie since "Dr. Zhivago" which seems diminished by comparison. Plummer, Mirren, et. al. deserve Oscars!

I felt I was on the journey but not sure where it was taking me. People have always been taking in by charlatans and love does NOT conquer all--but is a wonderful distraction.

moderated by Desson Thomson
with guest Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald Film Critic

Beautifully acted, beautifully filmed movie that tells an interesting story that is new to me. A perfect storm!

Helen Mirren was miraculous and the cinematography super. Very dramatic and heart-rending.

Thanks for such a great final film to a really good Cinema Club season. Loved Stephen Schaefer, who spoke so eloquently and was so well prepared.