**Everything’s up for grabs when it comes to love and conflict!** **_SEASON 01:_** The story combines battles, riches, romantic relationships, and betrayals, all set in a made-up version of Russia during the 1800s. I hadn't encountered this series or movie based on the book before—this is my introduction to it. I was really looking forward to watching it because I appreciate Leo Tolstoy’s writing. It lived up to expectations. The BBC has done it again; another excellent adaptation. They made great choices with casting and filming locations, or at least the visual effects were superb. The costumes are also beautiful, reflecting the original Russian classic style. The story begins and concludes with war, surrounded by numerous historical figures. Essentially, it follows five aristocratic families and how their lives unfold during Russia’s conflict with Napoleonic France. It centers on the younger generation who are poised to inherit everything from their elders, forcing them to make significant decisions that will alter their lives and the country's future. Romance is also a key element of the story. Whether they’re wealthy or facing financial ruin, these characters are searching for genuine love—though sometimes affection becomes part of a plan for a better life, leading to deception and manipulation. The narrative unfolds with patriotic and emotional undertones as Russia’s destiny hangs in the balance. I really enjoyed it, although I did have one reservation about this English-language adaptation. It would have been incredible if the entire thing had been presented in Russian with subtitles; then the language, music, and settings would all have felt perfectly aligned. Lily James is featured prominently on the poster for marketing reasons because of her popularity among the cast, but my experience watching was quite different. The characters are well-developed, a lot happens that transports you to 19th century Russia. It’s one of the best period dramas I've seen, dominated by themes of war and romance. I believe it is worth seeing. _8/10_

Source on TMDB