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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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1 hour

Audio described

Last on

Sun 3 Jan 2016 21:00

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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

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