War and Peace

25: Andre prepares to leave for war and meets with his father, a tough but lovable guy. Andre's sister gives him an heirloom he promises not to take off. Andre's father thanks Andre for doing his duty and keeping "the army before everything." Andre asks his father to get a doctor to care for his wife, he is concerned about her health. Andre's father tells Andre that if he dies in battle he'll be hurt, but if he doesn't behave honorably it will be worse, "I will be shamed." Andre asks that if he has a son and he dies in battle that his son not be taken away, "let him grow up here with you, please." His father agrees. The birth of something new.

45: Natasha's brother returns from war, Natasha sees him kiss her friend. Natasha: "I want to know what men are like." Natasha and her brother talk about love and marrying the right and best way. Andre returns, wounded. Andre's wife dies after giving birth. Now that I'm aware.

60: Two sleighs pulled by horses race in the snow. Laughter, singing, and Pierre (Henry Fonda) gives Natasha a friendly kiss. Later, during a hunt, Natasha is formally introduced to Andre. In the next scene during a dance, Andre's VO tells us he's going to marry Natasha if she turns and smiles at him. She turns and smiles. There's no going back now.

-45: Pierre is in prison awaiting execution. A fellow prisoner cheerfully talks about his unfortunate life and how a religious perspective, belief, and prayer have helped him: "the great thing is to live in harmony." Discovery.

-25: The old general discusses strategy on how to deal with Napoleon's retreating army. We watch thousands die as Napoleon's army leaves Russia. Eventually, Andre dies and Pierre and Natasha get together. There's no going back now.