good back-story, and good acting

Good , But It Is Overrated By Some

Best movie ever!

The tone of this movie is interesting -- the stakes are both dramatic and high, but it's balanced with a lot of fun, tongue and cheek dialogue.

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 dialogs 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 empathized, 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!!!!!!

During a time when epic films are no longer tempting enough for the teens for whom Hollywood now makes its films, "The Last Station" is s grand reminder of what once was. Had the moguls of the past gotten in on its promotion in the way studios once did, we'd be talking, perhaps, in terms of "Laurence..." or "Zhivago." Alas, this film contains no zinging rockets, let alone even one vampire. Tolstoy? Uh...when's the next "Tron 12" being unspooled? Dealing with the demise of the epic writer Leo Tolstoy and his life with an incomparable wife, "Station" is fetching to see, beautifully written and directed, and in the hands of leads Christopher Plummer and Helen Mirren, compelling. The film deals exquisitely with whom Tolstoy knew he was, as well as what others thought he was. In any case, he was veritably the essence of Russian writing. See this; relish in it. Marvel at the life Plummer and Mirren inject into well-defined characters, and enjoy, too, the work of James McAvoy and Paul Giammati.

"The Last Station" is 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. Given a limited release, this movie never received the accolades it deserved.Cast wise, a hub of talent at work. Christopher Plummer depicts the titular character with such devotion and authority that a picture of Leo Tolstoy stay etched in our mind just as depicted on screen. Helen Mirren is the true igniter of this movie with her splendid performance as Tolstoy's wife whose conflicts with her husband over the impact of Tolstoy's philosophy on their family possession is brilliantly showcased by Mirren. James McAvoy is absolutely charming in his role of Tolstoy's assistant. Also competent is Paul Giamatti, a devoted scholar of Tolstoy's teachings."The Last Station" strength lies in every aspect of its production. The perfect Casting, subtle Storyline, appropriate Running Time, amazing Direction and Screenplay etc are top-drawer. It's arduous to find something too regrettable about the movie to be mentioned.Overall, "The Last Station" is a wonderful depiction of the most celebrated Russian writer, Leo Tolstoy. To watch great talents at their best is an experience, but coupling the above with an insight into a great personality is a blessing.My Verdict: 8/10

Pre-Communist 1917 revolution is the backdrop for this drama which features a totally over-the-top performance by Helen Mirren as the Countess Tolstoy, and Christopher Plummer as the great writer Leo Tolstoy. Both Mirren and Plummer were nominated for Oscars in the best actress and supporting actor divisions, respectively and deservedly lost to Sandra Bullock and Christoph Waltz, respectively.The movie is a slow moving one with a sidebar story of Tolstoy's social secretary finding love in the commune that the writer has set up.The film is extremely slow moving and brooding with Paul Giamatti, the friend of Plummer, stealing every scene that he is in. Conniving and supposedly loyal to his friend, he sets forth a changing of the will to supposedly help Tolstoy's cause of peace which sets him against Mirren.As shown in the film, the peasants didn't look like they had it that bad which is a major flaw of the film. In fact, Mirren seems to be suffering even more. Is she that money hungry, desperate for love or just what?