By Andrea Magrath

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The first trailer for Keira Knightley's hotly anticipated turn as Anna Karenina has been released online.

The two and a half minute sneak peek sees appearances by all the leading players including Jude Law, Aaron Johnson, Matthew MacFadyen, Kelly McDonald, Michelle Dockery and Knightley as the title character.

The preview reveals a breathtaking, stylish take on Leo Tolstoy's masterpiece.

Scroll down for the trailer

Classic: The first trailer for Keira Knightley's highly anticipated new film Anna Karenina has been released

Classic: The first trailer for Keira Knightley's highly anticipated new film Anna Karenina has been released

Keira, 27, plays the aristocratic socialite Anna in 19th century Russia, unhappily married to Law's Alexei Karenin.

She embarks on an affair with Count Vronsky (played by Aaron Johnson), sparking scandal amongst her high society circle.

Law is almost unrecognisable in his role as her loathsome government official husband Alexei.

'You can't ask why about love': Knightley plays the Russian aristocrat who falls for Count Vronsky (Aaron Johnson) in the new adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's classic masterpiece

'You can't ask why about love': Knightley plays the Russian aristocrat who falls for Count Vronsky (Aaron Johnson) in the new adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's classic masterpiece

Knightley revealed in a recent interview that Karenina was the 'hardest' role she's ever taken on.

She found it difficult to get the balance of her character right because of the Tolstoy's 'genius' and 'complex' writing.

'It was amazing,' Keira said of filming. 'It was definitely the hardest thing I've ever done. In a brilliant way.

Unhappy marriage: Jude Law is almost unrecognisable as her husband Alexei Karenin

Unhappy marriage: Jude Law is almost unrecognisable as her husband Alexei Karenin

Breaking the rules: Anna falls for the affluent Count but is shunned by society for the affair

Breaking the rules: Anna falls for the affluent Count but is shunned by society for the affair

'Obviously, Tolstoy was a genius and I think the reason that his books last so well - is because they are so complex and it's really looking at the best of humanity and the worst of humanity, often in one character.

'Trying to balance all those things in the one person was really hard. And, hopefully it's worked.'

Joe Wright, who directed Knightley in both Atonement and Pride and Prejudice, takes the helm of this adaptation of the classic masterpiece.

Change of pace: Kick Ass star Johnson takes a new turn in the epic drama

Change of pace: Kick Ass star Johnson takes a new turn in the epic drama

Another of Keira's latest movies sees her star in 'Seeking a Friend for the End of the World' – which sees Dodge (Steve Carell) search for his high school sweetheart accompanied by Penny (Knightley) when the pair learn the apocalypse is imminent – and she was attracted to the project because it is so 'unusual.'

Speaking to HitFix, Keira said: 'I just never read anything like it. It's such an unusual piece and, actually, it's really rare to get things that are quiet unique and to read things you've never read anything like.

All star cast: Matthew MacFadyen, Emily Watson (pictured) and Michelle Dockery also star

All star cast: Matthew MacFadyen, Emily Watson (pictured) and Michelle Dockery also star

Highly anticipated: Anna Karenina is released in September

Highly anticipated: Anna Karenina is released in September

'And I just also thought, "It's about the end of the world, but it's really positive." And actually when I got to the end of the script I found it quite life affirming as opposed to really sad or tragic or anything like that.'

Keira has been busy promoting the film in the US this week, appearing on talk shows and walking the red carpet at the Los Angeles premiere.

Anna Karenina is released in the UK on September 7 and in the US on November 9.

Working hard: Kaira was pictured today leaving LAX after the Hollywood premiere of her latest film Seeking a Friend for the End of the World

Here's what other readers have said. Why not add your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.

The comments below have been moderated in advance.

Jude Law.

Hmmm, I loved the art direction in the trailer and I LOVED Atonement, but the story itself seems a bit thing. How many times have we seen 'fallen woman goes against repressive husband for true love?' Seems like a waste of a good vision. Green arrows if you agree! Jude Law's clearly turned on his talent buttons though.

I love this kind of film, but I'm so tired of Kiera Knightly being in every single one! I feel like I'm looking at her skull when I see her face.

For me...Anna Karenina will always be Vivien Leigh!!

This literally has OSCAR written all over it! Looks like it could be Keira Vs Carey come award season!

Visually, it looks stunning. I definitely want to see this. On a completely immature side note, when Matthew MacFadyen is on screen I shall probably be whispering "Oi, Darcy! Go get Elizabeth!".

Hmm, going to be tough for this to beat the Sean Bean/Sophie Moreau version...

I totally enjoy Keira's movies. I think she's a lovely young lady.

Oscar

Looks great. Definitely an Oscar contendor for Keira, Jude Law, the movie itself and the director.

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