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War and Peace (1956): Film vs Book
Film · 1956 · Directed by King Vidor · Starring Audrey Hepburn, Henry Fonda, Mel Ferrer
About the film
The Napoleonic war and the lives of three Russian families.
How close is it to the book?
Loosely based on the bookThe giant novel is compressed into one film, so much is cut and simplified.
Read or watch first?
The novel has far more characters and ideas.
What the book gives you
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
A vast, deeply human story that lets you live inside another era. It is wise, vivid and richly rewarding for those who love big novels.
Who will like it: Readers who want a grand, immersive classic that sweeps through love, family and history.