Anora (The Criterion Collection)

Obviously this film isn't for everyone. It isn't a family film for sure. But it is a movie that does what all great movies do: it puts you in an environment most of us don't experience, it takes you on a thrill ride of conflict and suspense, it has a ton of wtf moments, and it has a satisfying ending that ties together all the themes and threads the rest of the film hinted at and spun. Without spoilers, I can say that the journey of Ani to Anora is poignant, subtle and ferocious, and ultimately empowering to men and women. The direction of the film is excellent--from the first moments you know you are in the hands of a filmmaker (and filmmakers since film is collaborative) who knows exactly what he is trying to convey. You willingly take the ride with him. The acting is excellent, with each character eliciting an emotional response from the viewer almost immediately. The roles are played in a way that doesn't telegraph too much too soon. The use of relatively unknown actors heightens the sense of reality and the viewer investment. Familiar "star" faces and mannerisms don't pull us out of the action. I don't know if there was music in the film because I was too involved with the action to notice.Despite the film's immediacy, the viewer also picks up on clues about where the story is going, and Ani's tragic background--it isn't spelled out, but some things are apparent by the end. I won't say more to avoid spoilers. This is a film worth giving your attention to and makes for an enjoyable and fast 2 hours!

A Disappointing Oscar Win: Why Anora Falls FlatThe Academy Awards have long celebrated excellence in filmmaking, honoring movies that push the boundaries of storytelling, direction, and technical mastery. However, this year’s winner, Anora, is a baffling choice that undermines the very standards that define an Oscar-worthy film. From its lackluster plot to its amateur execution, Anora is an insult to the legacy of past winners and a disservice to audiences who expect cinematic brilliance.A Plot That Goes NowhereOne of Anora’s most glaring flaws is its complete absence of a compelling narrative. The film meanders aimlessly, offering no real tension, depth, or stakes to keep the audience engaged. Characters are introduced without meaningful development, and the so-called “plot” is riddled with inconsistencies and uninspired twists that feel forced rather than organic. If a story is the backbone of a film, Anora is spineless.Direction and Editing: A Masterclass in MediocrityThe direction is equally underwhelming, with scenes that feel hastily stitched together, lacking any sense of rhythm or coherence. The cinematography fails to elevate the film, relying on generic framing and uninspired shots that add nothing to the viewing experience. The editing is choppy and erratic, making certain sequences feel jarring and disconnected, as if the filmmakers themselves were unsure of what they were trying to achieve.Acting That Feels HollowA strong cast can often redeem a weak script, but Anora offers no such saving grace. Performances range from overacted melodrama to lifeless monotony, making it difficult to form any emotional connection with the characters. Moments that are meant to be profound or moving instead come across as awkward and forced, draining the film of any sincerity.An Oscar-Worthy Film? Absolutely NotTo put it bluntly, Anora does not deserve a place among the greats. It lacks the ambition, creativity, and execution that define Oscar-winning films. Its victory is a slap in the face to classics like Schindler’s List, The Godfather, or Parasite, which showcased true artistic vision and craftsmanship. The Academy’s decision to crown this mess as the best film of the year is not just disappointing—it’s embarrassing.Final VerdictWhile film is subjective and different audiences may take away different meanings from a movie, Anora simply fails on too many levels to be considered a worthy Oscar winner. Instead of setting new standards for excellence, it drags the prestige of the award down. If this is the direction the Academy is heading, it may be time to rethink what truly defines cinematic greatness.

I love this movie. It's like a modern cross between Pretty Woman and The Hangover. A lot of chaos humor and a fantastic cast that has great chemistry together. The first half an hour is a lot of gratuitous nudity (mostly breasts and butts) and lap dances/s3x. I first watched it on a plane and it was definitely embarrassing/not good for a mixed audience where kids could see the screen. If that makes you uncomfortable, you may want to skip the first 40ish minutes, but I do think it's worth sitting through because it does set up the context of Ani and Vanya's relationship.

I'm giving it 3 stars because I did sort of like it, but it was in spite of itself. It had an infectious energy and some wonderful performances. I started watching expecting to love the film, but it’s basically a slightly more realistic (very slightly), quirkier rerun of Pretty Woman stretched out to 2 ½ hours. Everything that’s unusual about it is bad. It’s basically four parts, all of which have good bits, but only the last is actually good. First part is endless vignettes of Ani and Ivan getting it on—much footage of Ani displaying her gorgeous body. Ohboy, did the director and Academy Bigwigs have fun with this part. Yes, said vignettes are building their relationship, such as it is, but ENDLESS. Second part is ENDLESS replay of the same scene, heroine struggles with badish guys who demand to know where Ivan has run off to. Third part is ENDLESS vignettes of the hunt for Ivan. Fourth part, we confront the family and have actual dialogue and storytelling. Excellent, but watching it I do not think Best Picture.Best Editing? The actual shot by shot editing was good, often clever, but suffered from the ENDLESSNESS of the first three parts.Best Script???????? The first three quarters of the movie has maybe a couple of dozen lines repeated in ENDLESS variations with f***ing being every third word. I don’t mind verisimilitude. I mind f***ing boring. Fourth part very well written.Best Actress? Maybe. She embodied the role beautifully. I haven’t seen the other performances. Ivan was also a great, flashy performance and the bodyguard Igor was beautifully underplayed.Best Movie??????????????????? See above. My husband and I were just baffled. If it hadn't won all those Oscars, I would probably have quit after 10 minutes.