Review of War and Peace (1956) by Don N — 30 Jun 2009

Even the greatest epic movie would be trash compared to its counterpart epic novel, so let us just judge this movie on its own. Even in 3.5 hours it cannot contain the epic quality of Tolstoy's work but it definitely tries to portray the story in some sense of epic magnitude.

The philosophy of "War and Peace" is only hinted at but that leaves it up to the audience to derive from the film the many contemplations that humanity should have about its own experiences with war and peace, in whatever circumstances.

Superb acting all around. My only complaint is that some scenes dredged on a bit too long, mostly the ones including the army marching. I like that it portrays the tediousness and hardship of such journeys but in a film that has a lot more to offer, these scenes could have been shortened and other scenes included.