Review of War and Peace (1956) by Blake P — 17 Aug 2011

One of the best epics. It's the early 1800's, and were trust into the lives of Natasha (Hepburn), Pierre (Fonda), and Andre (Ferrer) in Moscow. "War and Peace" (in my opinion) seemed to have started the chain of epics coming to Hollywood-- "Ben-Hur", "The Ten Commandments" and "Spartacus" to name a few.

This one always seems to be overlooked, however, it should not be. Though it made it into my favorite movie guide "501 Must-See Movies", still, it doesn't get much recognition. The duration of this movie really focuses from character to character, which I think was very wonderfully done considering how massive the book is.

You get Henry Fonda, husband and wife team Mel Ferrer and Audrey Hepburn, and a chain of a sleek foreign cast of unknowns (with a look at cult sex-symbol Anita Ekberg), and somehow pulls it off. Hepburn is absolutely wonderful here, and I really consider it one of her best performances.

I read one comment saying it was like cardboard, and though it's just an opinion, it's way off. Vidor's awesome direction makes this epic a masterpiece within seconds. The set designs and the costumes are the best, while the special effects really blow you away.

The casting was perfect, that sometimes, you really felt like you were living in those times. The action sequences of the war, the bombs, the horse riding, the attacking, etc. was so realistic, I wouldn't be shocked if people got killed, that's how realistic it was.

I haven't actually read "War and Peace"-- so I have nothing to compare it to, but if you're a fan of "Ben- Hur" or "The Ten Commandments", then this will truly quench your thirst.