I studied both "Three Sisters" and "The Cherry Orchard" in college, and thought that Chekhov must have written the most boring plays ever put to page. I reluctantly saw this film because I figured that nothing with Julianne Moore could be unwatchable. I was right about Julianne -- she's amazing in this film...but I was completely wrong about Anton Chekhov. You must see his work performed (by actors who know what to do with him) in order to appreciate his comedy and his understanding of human psychology and complexity. I have since become a fan of all of Chekhov's major works -- including "Three Sisters" and "The Cherry Orchard."
Larry Pine, Brooke Smith, and George Gaynes are also wonderful in this film.
Larry Pine, Brooke Smith, and George Gaynes are also wonderful in this film.