War and Peace

I wanted to give it a try, but was outvoted. I`ve a feeling that seeing it acted out might make it easier to understand than reading the book. I started to read it at the tender age of 14, many years ago, but gave up after a couple of chapters. As it`s the only book I`ve ever given up on, I decided to give it another go, and bought a copy about 2 or 3 years ago. It took me 4 weeks, and was very hard going, but at least I finished it that time.

I'd love to see the 1972 version again too. I was too young for it at the time.

I agree with those upthread who find it too "bright". I'm wondering if it's meant for the American market.

I think I'm going to have to read the book, because at the moment I can't seem to care about the characters, or what happens to them. Only Pierre stands out for me.

I'd like to see more shots of St Petersburg too, as it's stunning.

I have read it twice, once in the 70's at the same time as it was on TV, that was fun and again about 10 years ago. I'm sure it helps as you know the characters and who to like. Also who to worry about, there are some good cliff hangers and story lines set up in this first episode.
I also skipped a lot of the battles/war parts too garnet. They are very long.
It's a very intense production probably as it's only 6 episodes I think. Looking forward to the rest.

I enjoyed it but would like to see the 1972 version for comparison. It was the first time I'd seen Anthony Hopkins who played Pierre. He was outstanding as he has always been ever since. I was desperate to see the last episode before DS2's due date. If he'd been early, I might have missed it. Luckily he arrived on his expected day. I saw it in B&W as we didn't have a colour TV at the time. I didn't see that as a deprivation.

The 1972 version is available on dvd, I have just ordered it from Amazon. Thought it might be interesting to compare the two versions.

Thanks for the tip-off appygran. I will look for it. Am I right in thinking that the earlier series was longer?

Read the book a long time ago and loved it. especially loved the 1970's tv serial with Hopkins ( first time I had seen him, and thought what a fantastic actor.) This actor ( don't know the name) plays Pierre as a dolt!

How can they do it all in six episodes?

We watched it last night and i hated it (DH got bored and drifted off) - mostly because of the ghastly portayal of Pierre Bezukhov. He blundered about like looking like a cross between a young Harry Potter and Billy Bunter, via Mole in Wind in the Willows! In fact, none of the characters was remotely likeable. The battle scenes were good, if a little graphic. I'll keep watching, hoping it will get better. It has spurred me on to read the book!

greyduster I thought Pierre came across as a bit of a buffoon, but I thought that was the point?

I quite liked Ade Edmonson, Rebecca Front and Jim Broadbent (apparently Greta Scacchi is in it too, somewhere). Those are competent established actors. The younger ones look too much alike to me, and I think Lily James looks too old to play her character (she's only supposed to be 13).

I'm reserving judgement on Pierre to see how things pan out for him. But it's already my impression that he can't measure up to Anthony Hopkins.

Greyduster....pretty much what I had thought (and said) there is just no subtlety to the characters and when you already know the basic plot there are few surprises or real drama.....you already know who's a wrong 'un. Its so different to his ride and Prejudice where each actor brought something new and subtle to well loved characters and despite knowing the book inside out you still find yourself drawn to it.

I didn't enjoy it, so won't watch any more. If anyone wants the Kindle book it's free at the moment.

The trouble is that Anthony Hopkins has always been a Great actor while most are only very good. I remember the impact he made in The Lion in Winter with just the flicker of an eyelid or the turn of his head. Anyone else in the part of Pierre is almost bound to be a disappointment.

gettingonabit is quite right about the younger ones all looking alike. I found that I couldn't distinguish any of the young men in the new Poldark. I think casting directors have a fixed picture of what "attractive" looks like and that's what they cast. You get the same problem with the girls, a line of identikit longhaired skinny blondes.

I've just watched it on catch up and down noted it. I haven't seen the Anthony Hopkins version. I read the book in 1975 during a holiday in France when I surprise myself by enjoying it and keeping track of the characters. I didn't remember that bathe lily James character is 13 and agree the actor looks too old despite her giggles.
I'll watch episode two but don't think I'll ever re read the book ( unless I'm lucky enough to have three weeks peace in the he Dordogne again)

St Petersberg looks wonderful

Empire of the Tsars just finished on BBC4 with more scenes of St Petersberg (repeated at 3am) Hopefully the series will progress to the W&P era.

I'll have to check that out; currently watching Walking the Nile on catchup and finding it completely fascinating.

We watched it as have been to St Petersburg and were interested to see where they were filming it. It is a beautiful city and I loved the scenery. Having said this I was bored and the nerdy looking guy with the glasses, he seems really thick to me and his character is dreary. His father lay dying and he's out partying????!!! I really couldn't be bothered with him at all. I just love the excellent Stephen Rea, fantastic actor. This series has not gripped me the way Dickensian has.
Someone previously posted it is only 6 episodes, so I may persevere. If it had went on for weeks and weeks - no.

Everybody seems to be raving about that one actor (forgotten his name): the one who went to war leaving his weepy wife behind. I just don't get him-he looks like a poor man's Ioan Gruffydd to me. I'd rather see average-looking people who can act well and bring some character and personality to their roles.

And like a pp, I can't get Anthony Hopkins as Pierre out of my head either (even though I was only 12).

No one here was keen to watch it and not sure I want to view a lone.

(Going sideways again rather than start a new thread.)

Am I correct that a new series of Hinterland has stared but only in Wales and available on I player? I enjoyed the first series.......is in Welsh only at present ?

Hinterland was on last night, lully, on BBC Wales. I don't know if it was aired nationwide. It was in English, so I think the most recent series.

If you have IPlayer, and Hinterland isn't there, scroll through the "channels" menu until you get to S4C; it may be still available in Welsh (with subtitles). Youtube also sometimes has it.

Edit: according to my version of IPlayer, 5 episodes of Hinterland are available! Happy days

I do like Jim Boadbent but, to me he is never absorbed into the roles he plays [even though he plays them very well]; he is always still Jim Broadbent. I'm loving Dickensian now, having not been keen at the start.

Thanks getting on a bit.Will try catch up.