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Episode 3

Drama series set in Russia in the early 19th century, based on Tolstoy's novel. Pierre fights a duel. Natasha and Sonya receive unexpected proposals.

Pierre fights a duel with Dolokhov. Astonished at the outcome, he tries to change his life for the better. Helene takes advantage of his absence to re-enter society and considers an exciting new relationship. Andrei, meanwhile, is depressed and full of remorse. On his father's advice, he builds a house in the country where he shuts himself away - until an unexpected encounter offers him a second chance at life.

At the Rostov house in Moscow, the count is struggling to rein in his spending. Natasha is surprised by the advances of an unexpected suitor and wonders whether she will ever find true love. Sonya is also faced with a proposal, while Nikolai lets an untrustworthy friend lead him down a dangerous path. He looks forward to going back to the army - but when a peace treaty is signed with Napoleon, forging an alliance between the Russians and the French, his future looks less secure.

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1 hour

Audio described

Last on

Sun 17 Jan 201621:00

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Credits

RoleContributor
Pierre BezukhovPaul Dano
Natasha RostovaLily James
Andrei BolkonskyJames Norton
Prince Nikolai BolkonskyJim Broadbent
Anna Pavlovna SchererGillian Anderson
Prince Vassily KuraginStephen Rea
Osip Alexeevich BazdeevKen Stott
Vassily DenisovThomas Arnold
Boris DrubetskoyAneurin Barnard
Marya BolkonskayaJessie Buckley
Fedya DolokhovTom Burke
Count Ilya RostovAdrian Edmondson
Anna DrubetskayaRebecca Front
BilibinRory Keenan
Sonya RostovaAisling Loftus
Nikolai RostovJack Lowden
Helene KuraginaTuppence Middleton
Julie KaraginaChloe Pirrie
Mademoiselle BourienneOlivia Ross
Countess Natalya RostovaGreta Scacchi
Anatole KuraginCallum Turner
WriterAndrew Davies
ProducerJulia Stannard
DirectorTom Harper

Broadcast

What were the most heart-stopping moments?

What were the most heart-stopping moments?

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

Meet the characters...

Meet the characters...

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

Gallery