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Episode 5

Drama series set in Russia in the early 19th century, based on Tolstoy's novel. Napoleon outrages the Russian emperor by crossing the border and marching his army towards Moscow.

Napoleon outrages the Russian emperor by crossing the border and marching his army towards Moscow. In his path stands Prince Bolkonsky's country estate - but the old prince isn't prepared to let the French through without a fight. Marya is shocked to be placed in terrible danger. Nikolai, meanwhile, is stationed far away from the action, but he gets a chance at glory when he crosses paths with a stranger in distress.

Andrei learns of Natasha's betrayal. He cannot forgive her and resolves to take revenge on his rival. When Natasha falls ill and Pierre is left to take care of her, he struggles to keep his feelings in check. Unsure of his place in the world, he chooses to join Andrei on the eve of battle. As the two massive armies gather, Pierre is flung into a fight to the death to save Moscow and Russia.

Available now

1 hour

Audio described

Last on

Sun 31 Jan 2016 21:00

Credits

Role Contributor
Pierre Bezukhov Paul Dano
Natasha Rostova Lily James
Andrei Bolkonsky James Norton
Prince Nikolai Bolkonsky Jim Broadbent
Anna Pavlovna Scherer Gillian Anderson
Prince Vassily Kuragin Stephen Rea
General Mikhail Kutuzov Brian Cox
Napoleon Bonaparte Mathieu Kassovitz
Boris Drubetskoy Aneurin Barnard
Marya Bolkonskaya Jessie Buckley
Fedya Dolokhov Tom Burke
Count Ilya Rostov Adrian Edmondson
Petya Rostov Otto Farrant
Bilibin Rory Keenan
Tsar Alexander Ben Lloyd-Hughes
Sonya Rostova Aisling Loftus
Nikolai Rostov Jack Lowden
Helene Bezukhova Tuppence Middleton
Mademoiselle Bourienne Olivia Ross
Countess Natalya Rostova Greta Scacchi
Anatole Kuragin Callum Turner
Tikhon David Quilter
Writer Andrew Davies
Producer Julia Stannard
Director Tom Harper

Broadcast

What were the most heart-stopping moments?

War & Peace script writer Andrew Davies on the scenes that made him cry.

Meet the characters...

Discover the characters featured in Leo Tolstoy’s epic novel.

Gallery