War and Peace

There was a period of my life [late teens early twenties] when I read Tolstoy, Gorky,Zola most of Dickens etc] and thoroughly enjoyed it. However, as I've got older I find that I can't read stuff like that. I'm glad that I did as I feel that, along with music it formed part of who I am [in particular 'Germinal' formed my political beliefs] but, although I try, I can't concentrate enough any more. The Mill on the Floss has been partly read for nearly 30 years and I'm afraid it will have to stay so.

Spent yesterday evening catching up as I hadn't watched it before. Enjoyable! I agree about the difference in layers of male and female clothing.

I've just had a quick check through the contents page of the book, last read 40 years ago. Without giving any spoilers all I can say is this, the BBC must be planning a further series or three as two more episodes can't possibly cover the remaining story!!

Tegan and Maggiemaybe - I agree about Anatole, he should have been played by a young man more likely to make an impressionable young woman weak at the knees.

Okay, I'll do it, HannahLoisLuke - it can be yet another doomed my 2016 resolution. Thank you. Though I do feel that, like Tegan, I might be a bit lacking in staying power these days.

I agree too, the actor playing Anatole wasn't at all good looking or charming, which he obviously had to be, to sweep her off her feet in that way.
I was very gripped by this latest episide though, they surely can't get the rest of the book in the remaining three episodes can they?I read the book when I was about 19 and loved it, may have to re-read it now.Oh those long Russian names though!

Yes, surely Anatole should have been played by a handsome, roguish-looking actor not one who looks like a Dickensian villain. It's surely quite possible to find an actor who looks charming and good-looking enough, with a slightly dissolute air, enough to sweep a 17 year old off her feet. There are at least two of them in the series already - Aneurin Barnard and the delicious Tom Burke?

I like James Norton!
On another thread someone asked for opinion on the millisecond glimpse of a bathing soldier's 'full frontal' (!).
Genuinely shocking were the battle scenes, FX I know, but so gory and a sobering insight into the real thing.

I don't know if I want to watch Happy Valley Elrel and watch James Norton as that horrible Tommy Lee Royce.
It was such a relief to find him playing the vicar in Grantchester afterwards.

He's certainly versatile. I watch Happy Valley with fearful fascination. I started watching because of the area and cast, then realised how good it was.
Watched 'Vera' - again so well acted and produced. Oh dear, I'm watching too much tv!

I remember now, when I saw James Norton first in Happy Valley I thought him a brilliant actor but worried he'd get type cast as psycho thugs. Far from it! Similar to the actor (name??) who played the spine chilling skinhead in 'Cracker'.

Robert Carlyle I mean. I sooo wish GN posts had an EDIT facility.

It's because they are so good they can give you (me) nightmares!

Sorry I have just found it so dreary, the men are dreary and Pierre just gets on my nerves. There is not much more of it to go so will watch to the end. I have loved the scenery and the costumes. It certainly has not made me rush to go and read the book. This drama has just not grabbed me in the same way as the brilliant Dickensian has.

It seems a bit like Pride and Prejudice at times! I think it's not bad, but not a blockbuster. When I read the book I skipped the war bits so I find that interesting. I suppose the women wore fur shawls or stoles to keep warm.

I'm still in there but the latest episode was a bit tricky to watch but then I suppose the reality was a bit tricky too!!! Love Jim Broadbent and Brian Cox in this - they act the younger actors off the screen. Shan't be sorry when its finished though.

I'll be so sorry when it's finished. I've been gripped by every episode and have even watched some twice.
I've recorded Dickensian but so far haven't watched it. Keeping it in reserve for when W & P has finished.
Still think there must be more in the pipeline, the story is less than halfway through. Come on BBC don't keep us waiting!

Well, I don't think there will be a further series after all. I definately think this should have run for more episodes instead of squeezing it all into six. Last night's final episode really squashed a long period of the story down. It just skated over what should have been more detailed.
Loved it though.

I'm glad it is over,hated it. The scenery and the costumes where mainly what I watched it for and that Pierre I wanted to take and shake. It certainly hasn't encouraged me to read Tolstoy!

Compared to the excellent Dickensian, where I can't wait to watch an episode,this has been very poor. I did not care about any of the characters and I think that was the biggest problem for me.

I loved it ! Yes it was all condensed, particularly the last episode, and the finale was very different to the book, but in general the scenery, costumes and battle scenes were very watchable. Forgive me, but for those who clearly disliked it, why did you watch it? There are plenty of other channels and programmes so why wade through a series that you bores you?!

Adored it and it will leave a gap in my Sunday evenings. The photography, cinematography and costumes were fantastic.

I completely agree with you GillT57 I thought it was fabulous. I was a bit wary of Paul Dano playing, Pierre but as time went on I thought he was perfect for the part. I think I almost fell in love with him myself.

Haven't made it through a full episode yet, despite enjoying it very much! I tend to nod off.

I loved it. I must admit I was very dubious about Paul Dano as Pierre after the first episode, but by the end I was completely converted. I also thought Lily James was stunning. The only down-side was that there were 3 programmes on at the same time at 9pm on Sunday that I wanted to watch: War and Peace; Vera; and Deutschland93. Thank goodness for catch-up

IMO One of the best things on in the last 12 months. Totally gripped last night!

I do hope there is more of this quality drama on soon.

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