Timeless Classic

The BBC does an exquisite job of bringing to life Elizabeth Gaskell's classic novel North and South. Full of drama and intense romance, this story hints on Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

The story focuses on Margaret, a young woman who has lived a "charmed" life in the South and Mr. Thornton who is the "master" of the North's cotton mill. Margaret, due to her father's decision has to move with her family to the North, but she finds it dirty and lacking in social class. When she meets Mr. Thornton and some of the people who work at the mill, her eyes are opened to a much wider view of the world and she begins to question her own prejudices and ignorance.

If you love British drama, then you'll be in for a treat. If romance is your thing, then the chemistry between Mr. Thornton and Margaret will blow you away.
Daniela Denby-Ashe is wonderful as Margaret. And Richard Armitage of the BBC's Robin Hood series is perfect for the role of Mr. Thornton.
I bought this DVD because I am a huge fan of classic literature and BBC drama.

A Timeless Love Story

Okay, so I have to admit, I never thought that I would be writing a review for a BBC mini-series or let alone watching anything BBC. I hadn't even heard of The BBC up until four months ago (and no, I don't live in a cave!!). But let me say, I am soooooo glad that I found this movie.
I was searching period dramas online one afternoon this past summer when a search displayed this title. Obviously, I had never heard about it - but a few more searches showed that this was "a very popular British movie indeed, and that anyone loving period movies would enjoy it."
UNDERSTATEMENT OF THE YEAR.
I decided to to the swing, and buy it without ever seeing it. It came in about a month later, and by that time, I was just itching to get my hands on it! I went home that night and put it in, thinking that I would watch part one of the four hour-long pieces, then go to bed.
Let's just say that I was up WAY past my bedtime that night. I couldn't turn it off!!
Everything about this movie is exquistite - the locations, the acting (thanks to the lovely Daniella Denby-Ashe and the smouldering Richard Armitage as Margaret and John), the musical score, and the faithfullness to the book. It was just a beautiful work of art well done. The two main charecters have many scenes together and the chemistry is wonderful. I know that many people feel that it is too simaler to Pride and Prejudice; I don't think that this is the case at all. It has a completly different feel to it - slightly darker (given that the story is about poverty, strikes, and the struggle to sustain life under harsh conditions) and the love that cannot blossom between John and Margeret isn't entirely based upon their individual bias; it's founded in each's moral convictions.
I've watched North and South several times since August - with myself, with my mom and with my sisters (and each episode ending with the gasps of, "The next one! Put it in!!")
I would HIGHLY reccommed it to anyone who savours true love, fantastic acting, and an all-around sweeping romance that will stay in your mind for months to come. :)))

Buy It Now!

If you live for period movies like I do, or are simply a fan of the occasional Masterpiece Theatre costume drama, don't hesitate. Buy the BBC mini series "North and South" now! Never has a television series delivered so much or so unexpectedly. First and foremost it is a love story between two mismatched and lonely people, who aren't aware how desperately they need each another. The tension builds between Margaret Hale, a well-educated "parson's daughter" from the bucolic south of England, and John Thornton, a smoldering mill owner dealing with a labor crisis in the north. The two have quite differing opinions about life and work, but when Thornton finds he is driven to ask Margaret something entirely personal, the sparks fly!

An excellent supporting cast alternately impedes or encourages Thornton's and Margaret's tentative relationship. Look for star turns by Sinéad Cusack, who plays Thornton's grim and unyielding mother, and by Brendan Coyle, the firebrand union activist. Jo Joyner hits the perfect note as Thornton's sister, although her very bad singing is a running joke throughout the series. The real draw ultimately, though, is Richard Armitage, who IS John Thornton. This is definitely a man whom a woman wants to offer her his heart.

Again I say don't wait! A mini series like this comes along once in a decade if we're lucky. The last time I recall a similar phenomenon was over 10 years ago with the broadcast of Colin Firth's "Pride and Prejudice"! Remember what Mr. Darcy did to us? Since "North and South" made its debut, many of us have now been "dedarcyfied", meaning John Thornton has taken Mr. Darcy's place as the main man!

Excelent

This have been one of the best movie I have seen, I bought two one for me and one for my daughter and she love it. I strongly recomend this movie, is not only about romance but the strugle that people goes everyday. Is got a little bit of everything..enjoy it

A brief 'North & South' review

I have to admit that my wife & I are both BBC costume drama addicts; Elizabeth Gaskell's "Mothers and Daughters" is one of my personal favorites of all the dozens of BBC's we've watched. So, N & South is good - but not quite as good as M & D. ( It could've been greatly improved by an additional 2 or 3 episodes, for instance. ) But, being a recent BBC production, you know you're getting authentic period clothing, social mores, and other subtle lessons in British period history.