Pierre is one of Tolstoy's central fictional creations, embodying the search for meaning amidst the Napoleonic wars. He represents intellectual and moral currents of the era.

Andrei is Tolstoy's fictional creation representing aristocratic ideals, disillusionment with war and society, and romantic longing within the historical context.

Natasha is Tolstoy's central female protagonist, representing youthful vitality, emotional growth, and the experiences of women in Russian high society during this period.

Napoleon is portrayed consistent with Tolstoy's critical view in the novel – depicted as intelligent and driven but also vain, theatrical, and ultimately subject to forces beyond his control.

Kutuzov is portrayed as Tolstoy depicted him: embodying Russian resilience, intuition, and patience, rather than aggressive military genius. This aligns with a particular Russian historical perspective.

Alexander I is depicted accurately in his historical role, particularly his interactions with Napoleon (Tilsit) and his presence during the 1812 campaign.

Based closely on Tolstoy's detailed novel, the film offers a rich and generally accurate portrayal of the lifestyles, social customs (balls, salons), values, and concerns of the Russian nobility during this period.

The historical context of Russia joining the coalition against Napoleon in 1805 is accurately presented as the backdrop for the initial war scenes.

The battle itself is historical, and the film depicts the Allied defeat accurately. The experiences of fictional characters like Andrei within the battle are Tolstoy's invention but illustrate the historical reality.

The historical meeting and treaty signed between the two emperors on a raft in the Neman River in 1807 is accurately depicted.

The historical event of the Grande Armée crossing into Russia in June 1812, initiating the campaign, is accurately portrayed.

Renowned for its scale and realism, the film accurately depicts the immense size, ferocity, and horrific casualties of this pivotal, bloody battle based on historical accounts and Tolstoy's description.

The strategic decision by Kutuzov to abandon Moscow rather than risk the army, followed by the devastating fire that consumed the city during French occupation, are accurately depicted historical events.

Pierre is fictional. His witnessing of executions and experiences as a prisoner of the French represent the chaos and suffering faced by civilians but are not specific historical accounts.

The film accurately portrays the devastating retreat of the Grande Armée, decimated by the Russian winter, starvation, disease, and partisan attacks.

The harassment of the retreating French forces by Russian partisans (peasant groups and light cavalry) was a significant factor in their destruction and is accurately depicted.

The film successfully follows Tolstoy's structure, showing how major historical events profoundly impact the personal lives, relationships, and philosophical development of the fictional characters.

Through narration and character experiences, the film effectively conveys Tolstoy's views on the limits of individual agency (great man theory) versus the power of collective spirit and historical forces.

The film is lauded for its unprecedented scale in depicting Napoleonic battles, conveying the immense numbers involved, the chaos, and the brutal reality of early 19th-century warfare.

Meticulously recreates the distinct environments of Russian high society: opulent city palaces, grand country estates, and the contrast with peasant life, based on historical research and Tolstoy's novel.

Lavish sets accurately reflect the luxurious interior design, furnishings, and décor characteristic of wealthy Russian aristocratic homes of the period.

Highly praised for its accuracy, utilizing museum artifacts and extensive research to recreate the diverse and elaborate military uniforms of the Russian and French armies in detail.

Weapons (flintlock muskets, artillery), equipment, and battlefield tactics (infantry lines/columns, cavalry charges) are depicted accurately and on a massive, historically informed scale.

While filmed on location in Russia/Ukraine, the battle scenes effectively recreate the terrain and massive scope of engagements like Austerlitz and Borodino, involving tens of thousands of extras.

Visually portrays the chaos and devastation of the fire that consumed much of Moscow during the French occupation.

Effectively conveys the brutal Russian winter conditions (snow, cold) that were instrumental in the destruction of Napoleon's retreating army.

Accurately portrays social rituals like formal balls, hunting parties, dueling practices, and the strict codes of etiquette governing aristocratic interactions, as detailed by Tolstoy.

The film masterfully captures the specific cultural, social, political, and military atmosphere of Russia during the tumultuous Napoleonic Wars.