"War & Peace" (1972) TV mini-series 1972-1974

User Rating:

8.7/10   

Director:

John Davies

Writers:

Leo Tolstoy (novel)
Jack Pulman (screenplay)

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

20 November 1973 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot Keywords:

Napoleon Bonaparte | Russia | Napoleonic Conquest | 19th Century | Napoleonic Wars

Awards:

2 wins

Cast

Faith Brook	...	Countess Rostova (2 episodes, 1972)
Anthony Hopkins	...	Pierre Bezukhov (2 episodes, 1972)
Patricia Shakesby	...	Vera (2 episodes, 1972)

Runtime:

Spain:754 min (DVD edition)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Spain:13

Filming Locations:

London, England, UK

Company:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Movie Connections:

Version of Voyna i mir I: Andrey Bolkonskiy (1965)

One of the Best Literary Adaptations I've Seen

This exceptionally well-done miniseries easily surpasses both the Vidor and Bondarchuk versions. It makes the most of its nearly 13 hours, featuring many excellent performances, strong cinematography, and a good script. In addition, the director's use of long takes really allows the actors to *interact,* adding to the overall feel of realism.

Hopkins is likeable and believable as the twitchy, self-conscious Pierre. Dobie is excellent as the somewhat distant Andrei -- he succeeds in being handsomely iconic without seeming stupid or wooden. In fact, it's hard to imagine a more effective performance of this role. And Morag Hood is very good as Natasha, once the character ages a bit (it's hard to accept a woman in her late '20s as a 14-year-old).

The writers and actors also avoid the cardboard characterizations of historical figures that so often plague historical fiction; the main adversaries in the "War" -- a self-important Napoleon and the disfigured, forthright General Kutuzov -- are both vividly portrayed.

There are occasional weaknesses, but for the most part, this is a wonderful production.

9/10