What is so wonderful about this version of War and Peace is that it is the only one that gives the characters time to talk to each other. So much of War and Peace is talk--but what wonderful talk, and against such beautiful backgrounds. The characters are beautifully developed, and it is as faithful to both the plot and the spirit of the novel as it is possible for a film adaptation to be.
It is a bit dated--the hokey special effects during Pierre's initiation to the Freemasons are a bit cringe-making. And Morag Hood is a bit annoying as the young Natasha, although, to give her credit, she grows into the role and does an admirable job as the older Natasha. Anthony Hopkins is a terrific Pierre, but my absolute favourite is Alan Dobie as Andrei. I've always carried a torch for Andrei, and Dobie's serious, handsome face and his beautifully modulated voice make him the best of all possible Andreis.