nicholls_les I really liked this mini series and was never bored with it.Considering how long it was that was some feat. I see many on here have criticised the casting of certain characters and I can agree with much of what has been said, however for me it didn't detract from the over all enjoyment. It contained all the right emotions and I thought(casting aside) most of the acting was of a very high standard. The mix of European stars some more stars than others lifted the acting standard and it all worked really well. The scenery and sets were also truly breathtaking.So over all a good series that reflected the spirit of the book.

exelenc I never truly enjoyed adaptation of Sergey Bondarchuk. Actually, I didn't even finish it because of very annoying Natasha, with her constant overreacting and inappropriate emotions. Overacting was the issue of almost all Bondarchuk's cast, in my opinion.This version has much better cast. Though I doubted that Clemense Poesy could be a good Natasha, she definitely is. The charming, sincere, unexperienced but honest young woman. I found myself really engaged into her emotions. I understood why she did this or that things, visiting Elen before the duel, going to run away with Kuragin... Beautiful, seductive Elen is another gem of this film. She is so insidious and charismatic at the same time, that I'm sure that actress could easily play Cersei Lannister if she had to. Men are good, too. Alessio Boni is handsome and noble, and his Andrey Bolkonsky is attractive and tragic figure. Pierre is cute, that kind of man you don't notice at first and even at second glance, but eventually you fall in love with. The only problem with this W&P adaption (except of several historical mismatches) is that it is a bit superficial. However, it's a problem for all Tolstoy's movie adaptations - the directors haven't found the proper cinema language for that titan writer yet. On the good side, it looks like his books do not get old fashioned at all, so finally we'll see the perfect W&P and AK movies :)

alice-imwunderland War and Peace is one of those detailed and never ending novels I have always postponed to read (and I really was, especially as a young girl, an extreme Reader! To be frank I started it and never went further the 30th page!). Thanks to this mini TV series, I have finally got the story, although the adaptation (according to those who have read the book) is not as detailed and sticking to the original. BUT---THANKS GOD it is not ;-) In fact, this very well built TV adaptation has a very, very good rhythm and you never get bored. Many thanks to the screen writers and to the director (I clap my hands). Very good photography, and very authentic characters (I hardly cry by watching movies and here I did ;-). 4 Russian good/aristocratic Families and their ups and downs through war and peace ages. The second episode is the spring of the series as there, taking advantage of peace, a lot of romances are consumed. Love is in the air! Although someone has criticized this TV version, I really appreciate the international casting and production. The mix is very good and well organized, the costumes and sceneries are nice and cared to detail. There are all the ingredients for a great movie work, because it goes under your skin, and you are still permeated with the atmosphere and the characters (all very fascinating) far beyond the "END". So, what do you expect more?

Matvei Karetnik Countries of the Europe tried very much to make this movie. Movie is outstanding, but not without remarks. Firstly, Clémence Poésy does not approach for Natasha Rostova at all. There is no that charm which was described by the Leo Tolstoi in the novel. Secondly, in the end of first part of movie was used music by... modern composer Aram Khachaturyan for the Lermontov's drama "Masquerade". Italian actor Alessio Boni is ingenious! I think, that his role the best in this film! Hi is one of the best actors, ever played role of Andrey Bolkonsky. Alexander Beyer's work (Pierre Bezukhov) is very convincing. Noticeably, that this actor really very well knows "War and peace". It has allowed it to represent Pierre Bezukhov very authentically. The image of old prince Bolkonsky (M. McDowell) has turned out very expressive and truthful. Such old Russian prince - the petty tyrant. In common, movie is remarkable!