In 1805, at a glittering party in her honor, beautiful young Natasha Rostova has eyes only for the dashing (and married) Prince Andrej. But Andrej hungers for military glory, to prove to himself to his domineering father, Prince Bolkonsky. His friend Pierre, meanwhile, is about to be named sole heir to Count Bezukhov, drawing the attention of the scheming Kuragins. And with Napoleon threatening Austria, the Czar prepares for war.

Pierre struggles to adjust to his new life as Count Bezukhov. While he prefers to study, his wife, Helene, yearns for social standing. Prince Bolkonsky, unhappy with Andrej's desire to marry Natasha, demands the lovers wait a year to wed. As Andrej heads back to the front, the devious Anatole sees his chance for revenge.

Napoleon marches on Moscow. and rich and poor residents alike flee ahead of him. As the Rostovs prepare to leave for the country, Natasha helps nurse wounded soldiers. Marja left alone after her fathers's death, hopes she may finally find happiness. Pierre makes a rash but courageous move that could cost him his freedom.