In the third collaboration with director Joe Wright ( Atonement,  Pride and Prejudice), Knightley portrays a Russian aristocrat who is married to a government statesman, played by Jude Law, 20 years her senior.

When she falls passionately in love with a young handsome cavalry officer, Count Vronsky, played by Aaron Johnson ( Kick-Ass), the affair stirs controversy in society and shame upon her husband and family.

The sumptuous art direction, 19th-century costumes and lavish scenery are emphasised by the cinematography, which all indicates strong Oscar material.

The story was last adapted in 1997 by Bernard Rose in a film starring Sophie Marceau, Alfred Molina and Sean Bean. In 1948 Vivien Leigh and Ralph Richardson played the timeless tale of the love triangle and in 1935 Greta Garbo was in the starring role.

Anna Karenina debuts in the UK on September 7, followed by Russia on September 20, and rolls out in France and European markets in October, North America in November, and Australia, Brazil and other remaining markets in early 2013.