War and Peace (1956)

VHS COVER/SIDE

Length of film: 208 Minutes 

Rated: PG

Genre: Drama, Romance, War

Director: King Vidor

Starring: Audrey Hepburn, Henry Fonda, Mel Ferrer, Vittorio Gassman, Herbert Lom

IMDB Rank: 6.8/10

Part 1 Time: 113 Minutes

Part 2 Time: 95 Minutes

Where does the first part end? Napoleon speaks to his generals about invading Moscow, Russia.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “We’ll Talk of Peace in Moscow” Napoleon speaks to his generals prior to the Moscow invasion.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “And on the 12th of June 1812, Napoleon Bonaparte at the head of an army of 200,00 men, crossed the River Neman into Russia” speaks Narrator.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, the audience understands Napoleons ambitions to control Asia, a feat that even Alexander the Great could not accomplish, war is near. But how will this impact Natasha, Pierre, and Andrei and the love triangle that has developed?

Which part is better? Part one takes place before the French invasion of Russia. Here we are introduced to the nobility of Russia documenting the lives of Natasha, Pierre, and Andrei. In part two, Napoleon and his French army begin to invade Russian lands causing Natasha, Pierre, and Andrei to take separate paths among the chaos. Part two is slightly better due to its depiction of various battles taken place during the French invasion of Russia and the conclusion of character plots.

Academy Awards: Best Director (Nominated), Best Cinematography-Colour (Nominated), Best Costume Design-Colour (Nominated).