To be really disappointed by War and Peace on BBC?

[EasyToEatTiger]

It seems to be a string of little cameos strung together without thought. Lots of pretty girls and pretty boys and a few naked tits and bums. I cannot believe that War and Peace is sooooooooo dull.

I'm enjoying it but it's a bit fluffy. I think it's a hard Paul Dano is really well cast. His looks and his acting are spot on.

Some of the filming is lovely.

I agree re Paul Dano although his character is a bit worthy but I found this when I read it do I guess spot on. I don't care about any of the others at all

Love it personally. Mainly because of this.

I too remember the 70s version and much preferred it. That may have a lot to do with a young Anthony Hopkins though!

I agree OP, I found last weeks episode was dragging so much I ended up on my iPad half way through.

It looks lovely, and there are several excellent performances, but they have just cut it down so drastically it has lost all momentum. I have read the book, and it as never boring!

I remember the 1970s version very well, but even better is the 1960s Russian version.

I'll look it up! In Russian?

It's Sunday night popcorn viewing. Paul Dano is getting quite irritating in his dreamy worthiness, Cousin Rose from Downton has about as much acting ability as a dead dog, the lead bloke is so wooden, and all the other characters are blending into one. Still happy to watch it though

Is cousin Rose Natasha?

never seen a Downton episode

Yes, Natasha - the one with 2 acting styles, mad Cheshire cat grin or welling up.

Not the best of castings for me.

Pierre is great and Bolkonsky is great to look at.
I do like Helene as well.

I find it hugely enjoyable and beautifully visually pleasing, not just because of all the delicious men, honestly But I too am disappointed overall. Too many characters and I get confused about who is related to whom. I find my attention wandering and the storylines superficial. I agree SirChenjin that it's Sunday night popcorn viewing, but it's not a patch on Downton is it?

Nothing is a patch on Downton

Natasha is awful. Hadn't realised she was from Downton Abbey. It is very light bit I am enjoying it. Would love to watch 1979s version

I'm enjoying it. I miss polldark though!

i think it's got several things to recommend it - the ballroom scene in episode 3 was very well done - I'm not sure I think Lily James is awesome in it but i'll reserve judgment on that until I've (finally) read the book. James Norton seems pretty convincing as a troubled soul to me and certainly wears his costumes well imo. I'll look out the 1972 version though.

Of course it has lots going on for it it's one of the greatest books ever written.

Or maybe that's why it doesn't work for me, I might be expecting too much.