War & Peace

2016

4.7

19 reviews

Eligible

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Season 1 episodes (8)

1 Episode 1

1/18/16

Season-only

As Russia prepares for war with France, Prince Andrei Bolkonsky is excited for life on the front line. Meanwhile his friend Pierre Bezukhov is called to his dying father’s bedside.

2 Episode 2

1/18/16

Season-only

The Russian army is safe after a marginal success at Schongrabern that just keeps the French at bay. Andrei and Nikolai are both excited to tell stories of their involvement, until the sobering realization strikes that a far more terrible battle awaits them. The Tsar himself, confident of victory, comes to Austria to command the troops, but Andrei’s wise old commander General Kutuzov is concerned that Napoleon is setting a trap.

3 Episode 3

1/25/16

Season-only

Pierre fights a duel that sends his life in a surprising new direction. Still reeling from news of Andrei’s reported death, another challenge faces Marya when her sister-in-law Lise goes into labour. Meanwhile, at the Rostov house in Moscow, Natasha and Sonya receive unexpected marriage proposals and Nikolai makes a mistake with disastrous consequences for his family.

4 Episode 4

1/25/16

Season-only

After the shock of recent events, Andrei shuts himself away in the countryside until a visit from Pierre and a chance encounter with a stranger make him wonder if his life could still change for the better. Natasha is excited at the prospect of her first grand ball, but worries that no-one will invite her to dance. Still unable to find happiness, Pierre tries to build bridges with Helene.

5 Episode 5

2/1/16

Season-only

After months of waiting, Natasha is frustrated to learn that her wedding to Andrei may be delayed still further. She tries to make a good impression on her new father and sister-in-law, but instead finds herself facing a new temptation in Moscow.

6 Episode 6

2/1/16

Season-only

Napoleon invades Russia and preparations begin for another great battle against him. As the French army marches east, Marya is terrified to find her family in danger. Andrei cannot forgive Natasha, and vows to take revenge on his rival. Meanwhile Natasha falls ill and Pierre tries to take care of her, before making a decision that will change his life forever.

7 Episode 7

2/8/16

Season-only

At the Battle of Borodino, Pierre and Andrei fight on the front line of Russia’s greatest struggle against Napoleon. As even Moscow comes under threat from the French army, Natasha and the Rostovs realise they must hurry to pack up the family home and flee the city.

8 Episode 8

2/8/16

Season-only

Pierre is held prisoner by the French and faces a new ordeal as the relentless Russian winter sets in. In the shadow of tragedy, Natasha struggles to see a way forward, while Helene grapples with an awkward dilemma of her own. As the war rages on between the Russians and the French, will our Russian heroes ever find peace again?

About this show

Adapted by leading screenwriter Andrew Davies, directed by Tom Harper, and produced by BBC Wales and The Weinstein Company, this is a modern take on one of the most famous stories of all time. In 1805 when we first meet Pierre (Paul Dano), Natasha (Lily James), and Andrei (James Norton), they are all part of St Petersburg’s glittering elite, but are fired-up with youthful ambition to find meaning in their lives. Kind-hearted but awkward Pierre, the illegitimate son of Russia’s richest man, wants to change the world for the better. Handsome and gallant Andrei, frustrated with the superficiality of his life, seeks a purpose, while the beautiful and spirited Natasha is searching for true love. At the same time Napoleon’s army edges ever closer to Russia’s borders. As everything they thought they knew is questioned, Pierre, Andrei, and Natasha find themselves in a time when Russian society is about to change forever.

Ratings and reviews

4.7

19 reviews

February 22, 2016

Heartbreaking and beautiful. I could never read the book. I got bored to easily. This film adaptation was done wonderfully. All the actors chosen suited their roles, especially Paul Dano. He really is a universal actor. I hated his character in There Will Be Blood! Lol! I will definitely watch this miniseries again.

Lino Luciano

May 7, 2016

A work of life altering beauty. Thank you.

Anita Pettigrew

January 26, 2016

Absolutely fabulous