Keira Knightley Stars In 'Anna Karenina': Her 5 Best Performances

Photo: Fox Searchlight

Bend it Like Beckham

In 2002, the actress starred as Jules, a vivacious tomboy, in "Bend it Like Beckham." Her breakout performance in the British soccer comedy established her as the film world's newest "it girl."

Photo: Focus Features

Pride and Prejudice

 

Knightley's captivating turn as Elizabeth Bennett in the 2006 adaptation of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress.

"Dare I say that even Jane Austen herself would have delighted in the final triumph of Ms. Knightley's quick-witted Elizabeth in this film?," said Andrew Sarris of the New York Observer. "Yes, I do, and all the highbrow and middlebrow cinephobes of the world be damned."

Photo: Focus Features

Atonement

As Cecilia in the 2007 World War II romance "Atonement," Knightley earned some of the best reviews of her career. "Knightley, who says little but, radiant and beguiling, conveys volumes as a woman in the throes of longing," said Ann Homaday of the Washington Post of her performance as a glamorous rich girl turned repentant nurse. "Ms. Knightley's Cecilia is not merely beautiful, though that's hardly a bad thing," said Joe Morgenstern of the Wall Street Journal. "She's quick-tongued and beautifully pensive."

Photo: Paramount

The Duchess

Knightley's fearless turn as Georgiana, the 18th century Duchess of Devonshire, remains one of most notable performances. "It's Knightley who makes 'The Duchess' a royal treat," Rollingstone's Peter Travers said of her 2008 role. "Not only is Knightley most excellent," David Edlestein of New York magazine said, "her starved-supermodel look adds an affecting subtext: that the economic impact of male disapproval still inhibits women’s freedom."

Photo: Focus Features

Anna Karenina

Knightley's riveting performance as the title character in Tolstoy's "Anna Karenina" wowed critics at the Venice Film Festival this past summer. The actress stars as an oppressed young wife in 18th century Russia who becomes enraptured by the thrill of an extramarital affair. Knightley continues to go from strength to strength with each project, giving Anna a flightiness and impulsiveness that feel almost more like an Ibsen heroine than a Tolstoy one, but it's a smart take on the character, and she truly impresses when she lets the fireworks fly towards the end,"