As the Russian conflict with Napoleon reaches its peak, five aristocratic families face the possibility of their lives being changed forever.
Cast: Paul Dano, James Norton, Lily James, Adrian Edmondson, Aisling Loftus, Greta Scacchi, Jack Lowden, Tuppence Middleton, Aneurin Barnard, Jessie Buckley, Olivia Ross, Tom Burke, Jim Broadbent, Callum Turner, Rebecca Front, Stephen Rea, Chloe Pirrie, Mathieu Kassovitz, Matthew Stagg, Emily Taaffe, Thomas Arnold, Gillian Anderson, Rory Keenan, Brian Cox, Jolyon Coy, Otto Farrant, Guillaume Faure, Kit Connor, David Quilter, Ben Lloyd-Hughes, Oscar Pearce, Kate Phillips, Vesta Gabstaite
The Rostovs leave Moscow as the French army draws near, leading to an unexpected reunion, Pierre performs a heroic act which has repercussions for both he and his wife, while Sonya makes an important decision.
While Tsar Alexander tries and fails to negotiate peace with Napoleon, Andrei vows revenge against Anatole Kuragin, and a desperate Marya tries to convince her father to leave his estate as the French army approaches.
After proposing to Natasha, Andrei agrees to his father's proviso that he go abroad for a year, leaving Natasha emotionally vulnerable, while Nikolai declares his love for Sonya, much to his mother's regret.
Despite his nervousness, Pierre must keep his appointment with Dolokhov, the effects of which lead him on a new path. Meanwhile, Natasha and Sonya Rostova both receive unexpected proposals, and Andrei tries to forget his grief.
As Nikolai Rostov and Andrei prepare for battle, a determined Prince Vassily Kuragin tries to forge a bond between Andrei's sister, Princess Marya, and his son, Anatole, while Pierre finds his new married life difficult.
As Napoleon's army marches towards Russia, Pierre Bezukhov visits his dying father, unaware that his relations are scheming to have him disinherited, while Prince Andrei Bolkonsky leaves his wife behind as he prepares to join the war.