War & Peace

As Russia prepares for war with France, Prince Andrei Bolkonsky is excited for life on the front line. Meanwhile his friend Pierre Bezukhov is called to his dying father's bedside.

The Russian army is safe after a marginal success at Schongrabern that just keeps the French at bay. Andrei and Nikolai are both excited to tell stories of their involvement, until the sobering realization strikes that a far more terrible battle awaits them. The Tsar himself, confident of victory, comes to Austria to command the troops, but Andrei’s wise old commander General Kutuzov is concerned that Napoleon is setting a trap.

Pierre fights a duel that sends his life in a surprising new direction. Still reeling from news of Andrei’s reported death, another challenge faces Marya when her sister-in-law Lise goes into labour. Meanwhile, at the Rostov house in Moscow, Natasha and Sonya receive unexpected marriage proposals and Nikolai makes a mistake with disastrous consequences for his family.

After the shock of recent events, Andrei shuts himself away in the countryside until a visit from Pierre and a chance encounter with a stranger make him wonder if his life could still change for the better. Natasha is excited at the prospect of her first grand ball, but worries that no-one will invite her to dance. Still unable to find happiness, Pierre tries to build bridges with Helene.

After months of waiting, Natasha is frustrated to learn that her wedding to Andrei may be delayed still further. She tries to make a good impression on her new father and sister-in-law, but instead finds herself facing a new temptation in Moscow.

Napoleon invades Russia and preparations begin for another great battle against him. As the French army marches east, Marya is terrified to find her family in danger. Andrei cannot forgive Natasha, and vows to take revenge on his rival. Meanwhile Natasha falls ill and Pierre tries to take care of her, before making a decision that will change his life forever.