This was the first western production of "Anna Karenina" to be filmed in Russia (St. Petersburg).
In the 70's, producer Carlo Ponti had also wanted to make a Russian co-production starring his wife Sophia Loren to be directed by George Cukor.
Sean Bean was chosen by the director Bernard Rose to play Count Vronsky because Rose had seen him playing the role of Richard Sharpe in the Sharpe's series on British television - the director thought he looked natural in a period-military uniform
Justine Waddell's film debut.
Sean Bean and James Fox previously starred together in Patriot Games, 1992.