Not feeling all that well last night, I pulled out my copy of North and South - a BBC Production based on the novel of the same title by Elizabeth Gaskell. I believe it was actually a miniseries as it is about 4 hours long - and a wonderful way to spend four hours.
As many of you know, I am a huge fan of the BBC America series Robin Hood. One of the stars, playing Sir Guy of Gisborne, is Richard Armitage. Mr. Armitage plays John Thornton in North and South and has had women swooning for year over it. If you are a fan of Richard's, this is the one to watch - and if you are not a fan of his, you have been missing out so get this on your list of 'Videos to Watch' right away!
North & South is a splendid, four-hour adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's 19th century novel about an unlikely, and somewhat star-crossed, love between a middle-class young woman from England's cultivated south and an intemperate if misunderstood industrialist in a hardscrabble, northern city. Daniela Denby-Ashe plays Margaret Hale, forthright and strong-willed daughter of a former vicar (Tim Pigott-Smith) who relocates his family from a pastoral village outside London to unforgiving, largely illiterate Milton, a factory town where John Thornton (Richard Armitage) and his mother (Sinead Cusack), survivors of poverty, rule their cotton mill with an iron hand. Thornton befriends Margaret's father but incurs her wrath for his severity with his workers. What she doesn't notice is Thornton's core sense of responsibility for his employees' welfare. On the other hand, he misinterprets some of Margaret's own actions and intentions. Equally stubborn, the two drag out their obvious attraction over many painful months and events.
Pride and Prejudice lovers will likely love this story as well. It has all the angsty elements of a good love story, a brooding and handsome leading man who gives an outstanding performance and a headstrong leading lady who fails to see the forest for the trees mostly because of her own self.
And....there was a preview of The Way We Live Now starring the totally edible Matthew Macfadyen! Ah...silver linings!!
**All images are borrowed from photobucket and not owned by me
15 comments:
I'm a proud owner of this movie!!
Good stuff!!
It is a really wonderful movie, isn't it? It has been a really long time since I have watched a movie at home - totally uninterrupted - especially one that is 4 hours long. It was Heavenly!!
I absolutely love this movie! It's one of my top two, along with Pride and Prejudice.
Oh, oh, oh! I keep hearing about this movie and meaning to find it. I HAVE to buy it. Hmmm... hubby's sleeping. This could be the perfect moment to do some online shopping...
I did it! I did it! I ordered North and South. And, you know, since I was already there, I ordered Wives and Daughters as well. I've heard fabulous things about it as well.
Dev pointed me this way. She is a good Crusader who like the rest of us loves this series.
I'm always so excited to see others who have seen and loved this production. It's wonderful isn't it? In all my years - and I have quite a number under my belt now, this has captivated me more than anything else I've ever seen.
I love everything about it. It's the whole package that guts me every time I see it - and Richard Armitage is truly wonderful!! Shauna - you are now on my radar to see your thoughts!
Hahahahaha, Shauna!! You're too funny!!
I have Wives and Daughters in my Netflix queue, but I've been thinking of just buying it as well. Let me know what you think!
I've not heard of Wives and Daughters - could this be a mini crusade? I'm all about the BBC right now, and just got my copy of the A&E version of Pride & Prejudice.
Jen, I love Robin Hood too.
Well ladies, when all have seen this movie, let's have a chat about it, shall we?
I am always surprised at the very strong reaction women have to Richard Armitage and yet he is not a really widely recognized name. Maybe Robin Hood will change that for him and Jonas Armstrong - who plays Robin.
Oh! And a big Hello to Stacy and Dev! Nice to see you here and a warm welcome to Kirstie. Thank you all for visiting and I hope to see you back for some N&S talk.
Now, where is Sharon? She would likely love this movie.....
Love this!! I re watched it a couple of weeks back.
Jen: when we started our Crusade - one of the things we planned on having was a giant on line pajama party of everyone who has seen it. We haven't settled on a date yet - some are still waiting to see it - but I hope when we do, you will join us!
I look forward to your invitation - I wouldn't miss it!
Still waiting for it to be delivered. I'm watching the mailbox like a crazy lady.
Finally got this after reserving from Blockbuster Online! I ended up watching it start to finish in one night! Hit the sheets at nearly 2am, but it was worth it!
I have heard so much about this one, even before your blurb here Jen. I really enjoyed it and am planning to watch it again with my daughter before sending it back. Very familiar and somewhat typical love story, but so well done amid the backdrop of Industrial England. I really loved the history! Got a bit plodding at times, as these long British productions always seem to do, but not horribly so. I liked Richard Armitage very well. He is not Matthew! Not nearly that good looking IMHO, but darned close. Love those steely blue eyes! And, man,what intensity of character!! Whew!!
I could say lots more, and maybe should start a discussion at my website or write up a review/recommendation! I very much enjoyed it! Thanks for the encouragement to finally see it!
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