Russia's verdict on BBC's War and Peace: 'a classic with cleavage'

[BlueMTexpat]

BBC is airing the latest serial version of Tolstoy's classic novel.

http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2016/jan/26/russia-verdict-on-bbc-war-and-peace-reviews?CMP=fb_gu

Russian reviewers have responded with both praise and barely concealed amusement to the BBC’s adaptation of War and Peace, with reviewers describing it as a “medium-budget soap opera” and a “classic with cleavage”.

One review of the Tolstoy adaptation starring Paul Dano and Lily James said eyebrows had been raised in Russia at the risque scenes. St Petersburg news website Fontanka.ru said one dress was so low cut, the actor’s cleavage looked like it would “fall on the dinner plate”.

Leo Tolstoy’s four-volume novel set during Napoleon’s 1812 invasion is deeply lodged in Russia’s collective psyche, and it was once compulsory to read the 1,000-page book in schools.

The BBC series, written by Andrew Davies and watched by 6 million viewers, has not yet aired in Russia, but many have sought out episodes online, Russian media reported.

The fourth episode aired on Sunday, 24 Jan, and here is The Guardian's fun review of that: http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2016/jan/24/war-and-peace-recap-episode-four-doom-with-a-view

Reviews of the three previous episodes can be found at that link as well.

[mainstreetonce]

1. I tried the first episode

But I couldn't get into it.

[BlueMTexpat]

2. It takes a couple

to get a "feel" for the series, especially if you don't know - or have forgettoen most of - the novel.

IMO, the fourth episode was by far the best. Hang in there!

[joeybee12]

3. Andrew Davies did the dreadful Pride and Prejudice mini-series

lots of extra thrown in that wasn't in the book. I have no desire to see another lousy adaptation.

[Fantastic Anarchist]

4. Fantastic book ...

Sad that I missed the television adaptation. I wonder if it will re-air the show.

[trumad]

5. Loved it---anything with Paul Dano is OK with me.

[BlueMTexpat]

6. I enjoyed it for what it

was and especially enjoyed the settings.

But I also still remember Henry Fonda in the role of Pierre, from the 1956 film. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_and_Peace_(1956_film)

Showing my age!