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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 201621:00

Credits

RoleContributor
Pierre BezukhovPaul Dano
Natasha RostovaLily James
Andrei BolkonskyJames Norton
Prince Nikolai BolkonskyJim Broadbent
Anna Pavlovna SchererGillian Anderson
Prince Vassily KuraginStephen Rea
General Mikhail KutuzovBrian Cox
Napoleon BonaparteMathieu Kassovitz
Boris DrubetskoyAneurin Barnard
Marya BolkonskayaJessie Buckley
Fedya DolokhovTom Burke
Count Ilya RostovAdrian Edmondson
Petya RostovOtto Farrant
BilibinRory Keenan
Tsar AlexanderBen Lloyd-Hughes
Sonya RostovaAisling Loftus
Nikolai RostovJack Lowden
Helene BezukhovaTuppence Middleton
Mademoiselle BourienneOlivia Ross
Countess Natalya RostovaGreta Scacchi
Anatole KuraginCallum Turner
TikhonDavid Quilter
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