Episode 1
Drama series set in Russia in the early 19th century, based on Tolstoy's novel. Russia is drawn into war with France, changing the lives of three young people forever.
Russia, 1805. Napoleon Bonaparte's French army has invaded Austria, drawing Russia into the war against him. Everyone in aristocratic Russian society is rattled - except hot-headed Pierre Bezukhov, who admires the French emperor's politics. Pierre is an outcast in society, and the illegitimate son of one of Russia's wealthiest men. But now his father is close to death and his scheming relatives are vying for the old man's fortune - though they expect Pierre to be left with nothing.
Pierre's dearest friend Prince Andrei Bolkonsky is excited for war with Napoleon. For him it offers a chance to find purpose in life by fighting on the front line. Unhappily married to a beautiful socialite, Lise, he plans to leave her behind at his fierce father's remote country estate and seek military glory for himself. The army under Andrei's wise mentor General Kutuzov expects a swift victory. But when the French unexpectedly prove their military might, Andrei is thrust into a dangerous battle.
Pierre's other great friend is Natasha Rostova - a beautiful, lively young woman growing up fast and desperate to experience more of the world. When she sees love blossom between her brother Nikolai and his childhood sweetheart Sonya, she is inspired for the first time with romantic thoughts of her own. As the men ride off to war, Natasha and Sonya are left behind to wait and wonder if they will ever return.
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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 |
General Mikhail Kutuzov | Brian Cox |
Prince Vassily Kuragin | Stephen Rea |
Napoleon Bonaparte | Mathieu Kassovitz |
Vassily Denisov | Thomas Arnold |
Boris Drubetskoy | Aneurin Barnard |
Marya Bolkonskaya | Jessie Buckley |
Fedya Dolokhov | Tom Burke |
Count Ilya Rostov | Adrian Edmondson |
Anna Drubetskaya | Rebecca Front |
Sonya Rostova | Aisling Loftus |
Nikolai Rostov | Jack Lowden |
Helene Kuragina | Tuppence Middleton |
Julie Karagina | Chloe Pirrie |
Tikhon | David Quilter |
Countess Natalya Rostova | Greta Scacchi |
Anatole Kuragin | Callum Turner |
Writer | Andrew Davies |
Producer | Julia Stannard |
Director | Tom Harper |
Broadcast
- Sun 3 Jan 2016 21:00
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