War&Peace

The penultimate episode of Tom Harper‘s epic BBC drama WAR & PEACE looms across our screens much like the foreboding battle that plagues Russia’s future. Last weeks episode left us broken hearted but will this weeks installment have bigger things to worry about then mere issues of the heart?

Jumping straight back into the drama of Natasha’s betrayal, Andre’s (James Norton) heart is clearly broken but his pride is too strong willed to admit it. Natasha is in absolute despair, her heart so broken and confused. Her guilt bares down on her, desperate for Andre’s forgiveness. Are these the actions of a silly girl? Or are they the true misunderstandings of a young woman who has been in a vice of tradition and expectations, desperate for true loves release.

Leeches suck at her blood in an attempt to return her back to her normal self, the misunderstandings of mental health so painfully apparent. Lily James gives a truly emotive performance, her talent and understanding of the character growing with each episode. 

Andre returns to his family home, with immediate intentions to return to war. The heartbreak comes with strength unknown to him before, standing up for his sweet sister when their father continues to verbally berate her, leading to friction between the father and son. It’s incredibly satisfying to see Andre react with even the smallest of passions, as we’ve barely seen a glimpse of such emotions. There was promise of course when he found love with Natasha but bitterness threatens to overcome any joy or sympathy left in him. 

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Forgetting the broken hearts of the finest aristocrats, Russia is in serious trouble. Napoleon stalks the Russian boarder, forcing the Russian general to send Boris (Aneurin Barnard) to discuss negotiations; only for his to be warned of Napoleon’s intended takeover.  People are fleeing, the French are coming. Torches ignite and the people are frightened, it seems their are bigger troubles than mere afflictions of the heart.

Jim Broadbent gives another tremendous performance as the mad Prince Bolkonsky, as he refuses to leave despite the approaching danger; his weakness and confusion is both completely frustrating and devastatingly vulnerable. There is the most tender moment between the Prince and Marya (Jessie Buckley) in his final moments. It is full of such sorrow but sentimental joy, with Buckley giving an outstanding performance. In her grief comes strength as Marya asks for Nikolai’s (Jack Lowden) assistance in safely getting her family to Moscow. 

Love completely pours from Pierre’s (Paul Dano) face whenever he merely glances at Natasha. He is married and a good man but the temptation of her affections are too much to bear, he cannot be around her and her lonely heart. In search for some kind of absolution, redemption even, he travels to the very front to the battle line. The faces of exhausted, frightened soldiers staring back at him, even Andrei is confused and almost frustrated by his presence. As the two friends sit by the fireside, illuminated by the flickering flames, finally we’re able to see some softness from Andrei as he talks of his genuine love for Natasha, the looming battle weakening him for just a moment. 

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Like an exquisite oil painting, the beginnings of war play out in front of us. The rumbling smoke, explosions of dirt and earth all torment the screen. Pierre looks completely foolish among the carnage, while Andrei pushes on; violent explosions erupting all around him. It is here we witness one of the most glorious examples of cinematography that one has seen in a television drama. As Pierre is thrown back from the force of an explosion, the camera falls with him, rotating in their air with violent ferocity. It is such an absolute shock to the system, but it is completely glorious with it. 

The penultimate episode ends with absolute anguish, violent red blood of the wounded washing the screen like a sick nightmare. Anatole and Andre lay in the medical tent, awash with infliction. Peace feels miles away as war engulfs our screens, with Russia creeping towards a crushing retreat. If this week’s penultimate episode is anything to go by, next week’s final looks to literally blow up our screens. 

Verdict

WAR AND PEACE will continue on BBC One on Sunday’s at 9pm.

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