Watch War and Peace: Part I Andrel Bolkonsky
- PG-13
- 1965
- 2 hr 20 min
War and Peace: Part I Andrel Bolkonsky is a historical drama film directed by Sergei Bondarchuk and based on the novel by Leo Tolstoy. The film stars Lyudmila Saveleva as Natasha Rostova and Sergey Bondarchuk as Prince Andrei Bolkonsky. The movie takes place in Russia in the early 19th century during the time when Napoleon is invading Russia. The plot is centered around the lives of several aristocratic families and their struggles during this tumultuous time. Natasha Rostova, the daughter of a wealthy Count, is beautiful and charming, but somewhat naive. Andrei Bolkonsky, a Prince, is a military man who has grown disillusioned with the world around him. Their paths cross when Andrei is injured in battle and is taken to the Rostov estate to recover. There, he meets Natasha and the two begin a tumultuous romance.
The film is divided into four parts, with Part I focusing on the early stages of the war and the growing tensions between the aristocratic families. We are introduced to the main characters and get an understanding of their personalities and their relationships with one another. The pacing of the film is slow, but deliberate. The cinematography is stunning, and the costumes and set design are breathtaking, which transports the viewer back to the early 19th century.
Lyudmila Saveleva gives a fantastic performance as Natasha Rostova. She captures the character's innocence and charm, but also shows her growth over the course of the film. Sergey Bondarchuk is equally impressive as Prince Andrei Bolkonsky. He conveys the character's inner turmoil with subtlety and nuance.
The film does an excellent job of capturing the complexities of the aristocratic society in Russia at that time. We see the opulence and extravagance of the upper classes but also the social and economic inequalities that exist between them. The film also touches upon the idea of duty and honor, as many of the characters struggle with their responsibilities to their families and their country.
Overall, War and Peace: Part I Andrel Bolkonsky is a beautifully crafted historical drama that accurately captures the essence of Tolstoy's novel. The performances are superb, and the attention to detail in the costumes and sets is awe-inspiring. While the pacing may be slow for some viewers, the film rewards those who are patient with a rich and engaging story. Fans of historical dramas and literature lovers alike will enjoy this film.