Good concept, poorly executed.

Fantastic!

A very feeble attempt at affirmatie action

Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

I remember reading the book, and it was such a distinct and a particular period of my life. I slowly read the book in three months, and it is a certain feeling that comes to my mind now when I think about the book, rather than any specifics regarding the content. It's a feeling that is similar to the one you have concerning an epic tale, like reading LOTR or Harry Potter series.As for the mini-series, I understand that in the medium of a 6-episoded mini-series, it is going to be very difficult to arouse in the reader the same or similar kind of response that the books may produce. But I must say the soundtrack (or the music, or whatever is the correct term for that) does a marvelous job of providing that epicness. It really makes it much more easier and enjoyable to be empathetic towards especially Pierre and Andrei.Great job overall, amazing choice of cast.

The story that is told by Leo Tolstoy has been shown in more British way as the feeling of Russian culture is often missing however the creator has captured all of the feelings that every character experienced and not to say that the cast is just incredible.I believe that it is when you are attached to the character , then you are hooked on the story , everything from scenery to the cast is outstanding but I would still recommend to read the original novel first in order to truly experience the delicacy of Russian culture , as a matter fact many people say that Tolstoy has given the readers the 'encyclopaedia ' of real Russian spirit.To conclude , I wholeheartedly recommend this adaption of the incredible novel and moreover the original book itself as you may find yourself in a position of complete hysteria about the novel as it may help you reconsider your priorities in life and show you that there is so much more in Leo Tolstoy's novel than love ,battle and dominance that is usually shown in movies describing the life in 18th and 19th century as War and Peace has much more meaningful story of Russian Culture and Russian people as this spirit is forever indescribable .

Honestly i'm quite disappointed, I think that BBC could have done it much better. What I actually didn't like is the fact that there's practically no references to this period in Russia where every single aristocrat was mainly speaking french. This is really ridiculous that even Napoleon speaks English (although the actor is french). I truly understand that this is an English film but at the same time it's a film about the greatest war of two greatest cultures who have had something in common. I wouldn't mind to read subtitles. This is very important I think to show that the Russian aristocracy being so feared of Napoleon stayed still at the same time in love with french traditions and culture so they couldn't stop to speak french sometimes (there were someone who tried to speak Russian as the sign of the protest to Napoleon). The novel is fulled by the parts and dialogues in french! Also I think if the actors don't speak Russian they should absolutely not sing in Russian, it's kind of silly to hear this (there are a few moments where you can hear a real Russian song and right after that the singing with a strong accent.I also didn't like the main characters. Sometimes you can hardly understand what are they thinking. Pierre is full of pity that we can't see how passionate his is in his ideas every single time, but I think that is the only actor who was close enough for his character. Natasha looks more silly that naive, Andrei is too motionless and we don't see how deeply he had changed. Anatoly is so rude and tough, that's even embarrassing as his sister (the story shows a reference to the film Les Liaisons Dangereuses but this is so far from the novel).Well, all I can say, watch the Russian film, it is the best for the moment.

I didn't expect this to be the best rendition of War and Peace ever done but it is by far. Paul Dano deserves many awards for his performance and i hope he chooses to do more films like this in the future. the attention to detail is amazing.. my only criticism is that it is too short.. now that Top Gear is gone and War and Peace is over, i almost have no reason to ever watch the BBC.. I hope that they tackle something else similar to this next.. a revised Pride and Prejudice or gone with the wind.. these types of mini series should be their mainstay. epic performances all around