Fact and fiction converge in this talent-driven drama based on Jay Parini’s novel about Leo Tolstoy. The Last Station focuses on the marriage between Tolstoy (Christopher Plummer) and his devoted wife Sofya (Helen Mirren) in its final years. After almost fifty years of marriage the Countess Sofya 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 and his property in favour of poverty, vegetarianism and even celibacy. What’s more, Tolstoy may have been persuaded by his disciple, Chertkov (Paul Giamatti), to leave the rights to his iconic novels to the Russian people rather than his own family. Sofya uses every strategy at her disposal to fiercely fight against the libertarian community that is installed in her house; trying to win back what she feels belongs to her. (112 minutes, 2009)
Director: Michael Hoffman, rated 14A (Germany/Russia/UK)
Best International Literature Adaptation (Michael Hoffman), Hessian Film Award, 2009
Best Actress (Helen Mirren), Rome Film Festival, 2009