zdataljaard

This show had some great source material to work off but unfortunately failed to deliver in many key aspects.

Main plot events were brought down by how short each episode was and how much of the already limited episode time was wasted on needless events.

Most episodes had extremely few scenes pushing the plot forward.

The show does not think viewers are capable of drawing conclusions for themselves and spells everything out in excruciating and repetitive fashion.

Apart from the (historically inaccurate) colour-blind casting, this series adaptation of the historical fiction book with the same title, is both true and contributive to the brilliant book it's adapted from.

At first, I thought Ewan McGregor was a peculiar casting decision, but soon came to adore him as protagonist, Rostov.

The series carries many an inspirational and timeless message.

Motifs such as patriotism and all its potential foils (as well as positives) are clear and progress with the plot.

The underlying messages are however not obtrusive in any way.

The story creates a mostly accurate portrayal of life under the Soviet Union from an aristocratical perspective.

An absolute must-watch!