Source
r/criterion•
MaleCra

Thoughts on "War and Peace" as a blind-buy?

Hey guys,

I'm super pumped for the sale tomorrow, and just trying to weigh my options because I can only get two films max. One of them will be 'Andrei Rublev'. I really love engrossing myself in with movies that are almost excruciatingly long; the payoff feels much more cathartic to me.

So, I've never read, seen, or even know the plot to "War and Peace." However, I'm really drawn to it because it seems like it was such a monumental historical entry to film, and not just for the Soviet Union.

In regards to blind-buying it, I'm just curious how the pacing is, if there's large swathes that seem to drag on, and if this is truly a film worth owning. Because all signs point to yes. But if not, should I just save my $ for my inevitable purchase of 'Do The Right Thing,' 'After Hours,' and 'Other Side of the Wind'?

Otherwise, I'd love to hear your general thoughts on the film!

Posted Jun 27, 2019, 3:43 PM UTC · edited

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stilljustnicinacage•

It’s 1960s Lord of the Rings, no joke. I went into it thinking I was going to be seeing something that might be exhausting or dry but nope. By the first battle sequence it’s morphed into this psychedelic almost Malick by way of David Lean epic.

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das_goose•

By the first battle sequence it’s morphed into this psychedelic almost Malick by way of David Lean epic.

Ok, you just sold me.

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MemorialAddress•

This sounds promising! I just blind bought this online yesterday solely based on everything I've read about it and now I'm even more excited to watch it.

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RogueOneWasOkayStanley Kubrick•

It’ll be on the Criterion channel next month. You’ll be able to watch it before you buy

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Prof_RatiganThe Archers•

Highly recommend this. One man's slog is another man's epic. I love Lawrence of Arabia and I found W&P, which I saw over two days in the theater, to be challenging at times.

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HerpesFreeSince3•

Despite being long, its actually really consumer friendly. Lots of action. Super cinematic. Rarely boring, never dull. I'd buy it in a heart beat, but it doesnt hurt to watch it first as others have said (criterion channel).

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diceman89Established Trader•

I'll disagree with you on the never being dull aspect. The battle scenes are fantastic, but I had trouble with the rest.

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HerpesFreeSince3•

Part 2 struggles a bit. I think it helps that I saw the Restoration in theaters so I was always at least entertained by the visuals.

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MovieMuscle•

I’ll have to disagree there. It gets pretty boring and incomprehensible at times...

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Jcivy•

I think this is an excellent review that adds to what other posters have mentioned.

http://thedigitalbits.com/item/war-and-peace-1966-criterion-brd

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MaleCraOPItalian Neorealism•

I'd like you to know that this article has convinced me to buy it tomorrow. I had no idea the immense history and efforts that went into making this film. DVDBeaver's comparisons are blowing my mind right now, and I must see them in motion.

In addition to everyone else's comments, thank you!!

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Jcivy•

Glad it helped. I am purchasing as well for those same reasons. I'm sure it will drag at points but it will be one to revisit every few years for the reasons you mentioned.

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jupiterparlance•

I've been wondering the same thing about W&P. Because it doesn't often come up in discussions of critically acclaimed movies, I always assumed maybe it wasn't that great. But I love epic movies.

I sadly don't have the means to really engage in the sale tomorrow, but being a Criterion Channel subscriber is taking the sting out.

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ChewyWalrusOrson Welles•

If you're a fan of RUBLEV, there's a high probability you'll enjoy WAR & PEACE, but I'll ultimately agree with those recommending you watch it on the Channel first just to be sure.

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