I remember even as a youngster enjoying the mesmerizing 1970's mini series, that brought to life Tolstoy's novel, War and Peace. It wasn't just the sets that made this production a success. It was the high caliber of acting.
Its a shame then that the contemporary rein-visioning of this work is such a casting catastrophe. I wont single out specific actors but, suffice to say, there are more than a few mismatches, in terms of casting. Its not down necessarily to a lack of talent. Rather, its casting people who simply don't have the acting background that would make them suitable for a role in a production of this kind.
The result is a series that, from the opening scenes, feels awkward and clumsy. The sets are perfect but the performances are simply not that convincing and, in a few cases, feel forced. Many of the characters I know and love, from reading the book, feel like shallow, shadowy, caricatures.
My advice, first read the book, then look for the 1970's mini series. As to this production, well its up to you but I'm going to give it a pass. Three out of ten from me.
Its a shame then that the contemporary rein-visioning of this work is such a casting catastrophe. I wont single out specific actors but, suffice to say, there are more than a few mismatches, in terms of casting. Its not down necessarily to a lack of talent. Rather, its casting people who simply don't have the acting background that would make them suitable for a role in a production of this kind.
The result is a series that, from the opening scenes, feels awkward and clumsy. The sets are perfect but the performances are simply not that convincing and, in a few cases, feel forced. Many of the characters I know and love, from reading the book, feel like shallow, shadowy, caricatures.
My advice, first read the book, then look for the 1970's mini series. As to this production, well its up to you but I'm going to give it a pass. Three out of ten from me.