War and Peace BBC1

[Barbirollians]

I really enjoyed last night's episode - the sleigh ride, the wolf hunt - full of symbolism of course when Natasha gazed at the wolf, her dancing with abandon and then the rather vulpine Anatole wanting to have his wicked way with her. O Foolish Girl we cried!

It all ends well for Natasha of course ….

[pastoralguy]

It all ends well for Natasha of course ….

Spoiler alert!

[Petrushka]

Another fine episode that had me, who knows the story well, on the edge of my seat. As the series progresses one sees just how skilful this adaptation is and the locations only add to the pleasure this is giving. Full marks to all.

[Historian]

I must confess that I had my doubts as to how Borodino would be portrayed. Wisely, there was no attempt to cover the battle in depth. I felt that the chaos, destruction and brutality were captured effectively in the 'fragment' shown.

Having said that, as usual the effects of artillery fire were shown (more or less) entirely as explosions, rather than the solid shot ploughing its way through ranks of soldiers. Anyway, that's a minor quibble. One of the few films I have seen that conveys the destructive power of round shot was the Patrick O'Brian adaptation 'Master and Commander'.

[mercia]

the moment where Pierre was blown off his feet and temporarily deafened I thought was effective - it was as if the camera taking the shot was attached to him. Though in reality I should imagine one would be more permanently deafened and probably concussed too. I suppose it was fairly straightforward to, as it were, go along and "spectate" a battle at a safe distance (not that Pierre was doing that).

[usher]

the moment where Pierre was blown off his feet and temporarily deafened I thought was effective - it was as if the camera taking the shot was attached to him. Though in reality I should imagine one would be more permanently deafened and probably concussed too. I suppose it was fairly straightforward to, as it were, go along and "spectate" a battle at a safe distance (not that Pierre was doing that).

The First Battle of Bull Run (First Manassas if you are a Southerner) in 1861 was observed from what seemed like a safe distance by quite a gathering of Union-supporting civilians, confident of victory. They had to escape hurriedly when the Confederate forces won.

[Barbirollians]

It is an fine adaptation . I must admit when I read he had reduced it to six episodes I was sceptical but it has been condensed marvellously aided by some exceptionally good acting .

[Nick Armstrong]

I really enjoyed last night's episode - the sleigh ride, the wolf hunt - full of symbolism of course when Natasha gazed at the wolf, her dancing with abandon and then the rather vulpine Anatole wanting to have his wicked way with her. O Foolish Girl we cried!

I've tried to watch this episode three times but each time keep being interrupted mid-sleigh ride! Story of my life!

Hope to have time this evening to move beyond to the sensual treats that apparently lie in store, and then the most recent episode!

[Ferretfancy]

The First Battle of Bull Run (First Manassas if you are a Southerner) in 1861 was observed from what seemed like a safe distance by quite a gathering of Union-supporting civilians, confident of victory. They had to escape hurriedly when the Confederate forces won.

Some years ago I visited the site of Manassas with a couple of friends. We were the only visitors there on a late afternoon as the sun was going down. It was very calm. As the light changed a group of deer wandered out from the nearby woodland to browse in the meadow. Naturally we gave a thought to all those who died in this now peaceful spot.

[Nick Armstrong]

I really enjoyed last night's episode - the sleigh ride, the wolf hunt - full of symbolism of course when Natasha gazed at the wolf, her dancing with abandon and then the rather vulpine Anatole wanting to have his wicked way with her. O Foolish Girl we cried!

Only just caught up with the remaining part of this episode....

Without any danger of spoiling it for the devotees, I must say that the whole Opera - Natasha - Anatole thing made me think constantly of the 'fan flirtation' scene in Woody Allen's underrated but I think wonderful "W&P" parody "Love and Death"

I did enjoy the crushing of the splendidly sleazy worm Anatole by the increasingly splendid Pierre, though!

[Historian]

Agreed; once you have seen 'Love and Death' it is very hard to view 'War and Peace' in the same way as before.

[jayne lee wilson]

Very hard, perhaps.... but tonight, no....

***

The last episode was great, and very moving, television. And I envy those who have read the novel itself, absorbed it, loved it, loved life more because they have read it, and loved it. Something I shall never be able to do. But this adaptation-for-television has allowed me to share in it, a little...

"When our lives are knocked off course, we imagine everything in them is lost.... but it is only the start of something new, and good....
As long as there is life, there is happiness.... there is a great deal, a great deal still to come...."

Sometimes I believe that... sometimes I don't. I hope I can come to believe it more, or more often....

"TO THE HAPPY FEW..."

[Petrushka]

Surprised not to have seen more comment here. Last night's final episode was television of the very highest quality, quite possibly the highest quality I've ever seen, By turns moving and thrilling, the almost Wagnerian epic had acting that was equal to the task and we were really put through the emotional wringer. Lily James's Natasha was an acting tour de force throughout that must surely win awards aplenty. Ditto Paul Dano as Pierre.

This was life-enhancing television such as we rarely get nowadays but had here in spades.

Bravo BBC!

[Anna]

Surprised not to have seen more comment here.

I think it's because we know some people won't have seen the final episode yet, that's why I held back from commenting (don't wish to be accused of plot spoilers!!)
I agree totally with everything jayne and Petrushka have said.
I now want to watch the whole thing again ...

[johncorrigan]

I was not convinced by Paul Dano at first but he grew into the character around whom the whole story rotated and I finished feeling that it was a tour de force performance, in a quiet modest way. I was then amazed to find out a week or two back that he played the young Brian Wilson in one of my favourite films of last year, 'Love and Mercy'. It hadn't occurred to me that he was American...great acting.

I'd also like to add Ade Edminson who I thought surprised throughout with the high quality of his performance. Didn't realise he had it in him.