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War and Peace (1972) Reviews

War and Peace (1972)
Member Rating:  
Of the many stage, screen, and television adaptations of Leo Tolstoy's mammoth novel War and Peace, this multi-episode British TV version is widely regarded as one of the most thorough and entertaining. The grim days of Napoleonic wars and the "Little Corporal's" ill-fated invasion of Russia were shown through the eyes of a large, interwoven group of protagonists, including the sensitive intellectual Pierre (played by a young Anthony Hopkins, who won the BAFTA Best Actor award) and the ethereally lovely Natasha (Morag Hood). Of the supporting cast, Alan Dobie as Prince Bolkonsky and David Swift as Napoleon were standouts. The 20 45-minute episodes of War and Peace first aired in the U.K. from September 28, 1972 through February 8, 1973. The series was syndicated in the U.S. courtesy of PBS beginning November 20, 1973. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Starring:
Anthony Hopkins, Anatole Baker, (more)
Director(s):
John Davies, John Howard Davies, (more)
Format(s):
DVD
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Average Ratings

(16 member reviews)  

Member Reviews

Norma M.

I tried very hard to read Tolstoy's novel when I was in college, but just didn't have time to get all the characters' names straightened out to know which character was which and understand the relationships. The intrigue woven into this Russian novel is fascinating and the PBS series has been a wonderful experience for me to bring it alive. Anthony Hopkins is such an accomplished actor and it was fascinating to see him as a younger actor. I will attempt reading this classic since I am retired and have more time.

Yes   |   No


Barbara M.

I have had the experience of viewing, scene by scene, this version of W and; P, and the Russian version issued 5 years earlier. The English version is nearly twice as long, so that characters are better developed and subplots are enlarged. However, the Russian version has a certain "Russianness" that the English version does not capture, and this is not only related to the scenes of onion topped domes and peasants in folk dress. The camera is much more inventive. In the battle scenes, particularly,the hand-held camera gets in close to the actors and moves around with them, making you feel you are really there. The filming of the burning of Moscow is far more terrifying. The Russian version was filmed over 5 years, so that you actually see the Rostov children grow up. When one first sees Natasha, she is an actual child, not an actress trying to be one. By the end of the movie she has matured into a young woman.

Yes   |   No


Robbin S.

I have heard of the book and movie for the most part of my life.....NOT AT ALL WHAT I EXPECTED.....seemed like a civil war soap opera...LOL

Yes   |   No


Steven F.

This is the best adaptation of War And Peace that I've seen. Anthony Hopkins and Alan Dobie were outstanding Pierre and Andrei. If you want to see Anthony Hopkins in his younger years, this is one selection that is worth seeing.

Yes   |   No


Diane K.

I'm on a one month trial as a new customer. I've received 7 movies from BB. Two different series. Numbers 1 and 2 of 2 in the first series didn't work so they sent me the second one again. Then they stared sending me the movies in the second series. 2-4 have been sent...but not #1. My subscription for unlimited movies for a month is 14.95. Because of the two movies that didn't play, I received a $5.00 credit. On October 24th I'm supposed to be charged 10.95 (after their generous $5.00 discount) for my monthly membership. This is the best BB could do? Seriously? Would THEY keep a membership like this? I really wish I could tell you that the "Hatfields & McCoys" and "War and Peace" were great ... but I can't.

Yes   |   No


Kent F.

I got through 3 disks, but ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.... damned interminable. You'd think that a couple of minutes showing them dancing around would be enough, but no! ... it goes on and on and on and on. Hopkins is the best actor in there, but I just couldn't take the slow pace anymore.

Yes   |   No


Rick T.

terrible,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,boring,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,could watch more than 30 minutes......

Yes   |   No


Karl M.

I just read War and Peace, loved it, and got this movie for me and the missus. This version was "okay," but it had that "BBC feel" about it. Morag Hood, who played young 15-year-old Natasha, was 30 years old at the time this movie was published. It was very disconcerting and distracting watching her run around over-acting as a 15-year-old. I look forward to seeing another version soon and comparing it.

Yes   |   No


Marylynn M.

Were getting into it as it goes along

Yes   |   No


Mimi M.

I enjoyed the history of that era and did not realize how Russia played such a role in Napoleans demise. It's like watching a British play! It has some slow parts throughout but worth watching the contents of a Tolstoy novel.

Yes   |   No


 
 
 

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    Norma M.

    I tried very hard to read Tolstoy's novel when I was in college, but just didn't have time to get all the characters' names straightened out to know which character was which and understand the relationships. The intrigue woven into this Russian novel is fascinating and the PBS series has been a wonderful experience for me to bring it alive. Anthony Hopkins is such an accomplished actor and it was fascinating to see him as a younger actor. I will attempt reading this classic since I am retired and have more time.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Barbara M.

    I have had the experience of viewing, scene by scene, this version of W and; P, and the Russian version issued 5 years earlier. The English version is nearly twice as long, so that characters are better developed and subplots are enlarged. However, the Russian version has a certain "Russianness" that the English version does not capture, and this is not only related to the scenes of onion topped domes and peasants in folk dress. The camera is much more inventive. In the battle scenes, particularly,the hand-held camera gets in close to the actors and moves around with them, making you feel you are really there. The filming of the burning of Moscow is far more terrifying. The Russian version was filmed over 5 years, so that you actually see the Rostov children grow up. When one first sees Natasha, she is an actual child, not an actress trying to be one. By the end of the movie she has matured into a young woman.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Robbin S.

    I have heard of the book and movie for the most part of my life.....NOT AT ALL WHAT I EXPECTED.....seemed like a civil war soap opera...LOL

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 16 Reviews
       

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