Fans of historical dramas can now watch James Norton's acclaimed 2016 BBC adaptation of War and Peace for free on the UK streaming platform U. The lavish period drama is experiencing a resurgence as viewers discover or revisit this epic tale.
A Stellar Adaptation of Tolstoy's Masterpiece
Based on Leo Tolstoy's renowned 1869 novel, the series follows three young Russian aristocrats as they navigate romance, heartbreak, and the turmoil of Napoleon's invasion of Russia. Combining sweeping historical events with deeply personal stories, the drama brings one of literature's greatest works vividly to life.
The story was previously adapted by the BBC in 1972, with Anthony Hopkins starring as Pierre Bezukhov alongside Morag Hood as Natasha Rostova and Alan Dobie as Andrei Bolkonsky. That production, spanning 20 episodes, was widely praised for its ambitious scale and faithful interpretation of Tolstoy's epic novel.
The 2016 Version: Equally Enthralling
The more recent adaptation proves equally enthralling and powerful. Set against the backdrop of the turbulent Napoleonic Wars, the drama charts the journeys of Pierre Bezukhov (Paul Dano), Prince Andrei Bolkonsky (James Norton), and Natasha Rostova (Lily James) as they grapple with both personal and political upheaval in imperial Russia.
Pierre is illustrated as a "hot-headed" social newcomer, "brimming with ideas but hopelessly lost as he seeks meaning in his life." His companion, Andrei, is depicted as a "cynical prince" yearning to escape his marriage and join the fray on the battlefield.
Both their fates are bound to the beautiful, captivating, and kindhearted Natasha Rostova (Lily James) – only a teenager when the series begins, but desperate to grow up and experience the world.
An Epic Spanning Eight Years
Over eight years of peace and war that will change Russia and its people forever, we meet a vast cast of unforgettable characters, from peasants and soldiers to society hostesses and even Napoleon himself. But again and again, through marriages and affairs, battlefields and ballrooms, births and deaths, we will keep returning to Pierre, Andrei, and Natasha as they confront life's great questions of love and destiny.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Praise
War and Peace garnered positive reviews upon release. One viewer posted on Rotten Tomatoes: "Great adaptation, excellent visuals, excellent cast. The battle sequences were intense and grisly. Be warned if you're squeamish." Another remarked: "I loved it. The acting, the pacing, the cinematography. It was great."
War and Peace is available to watch on U.
