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This collection contains 3 novels of Elizabeth Gaskell. "North and South" had excellent acting and lovable, memorable characters. It nicely depicted the harsh realities of surviving in an industrialized city, was unapologetic about health related consequences of industrial exposures during those times but was also a nice love story. "Cranford" told about the lives of people living in this city for one year and had Judi Dench who gave an outstanding performance. "Wives and Daughters" depicted strong, intelligent women that was nicely portrayed by the actresses who played them. All films were memorably entertaining and nice to own for future re-watching especially in the company of close friends. No regrets about this purchase.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I had already seen Wives and Daughters, and loved it. I love how it is a sweet and calming story about dumb luck with love, but how everything seems to iron out in the end for most everyone. It is probably something that is good for people who get into the british mini-series type movies (Like me ;)). Small warning: The only really disappointing aspect of the movie is that there is no finale kiss at the end :(. When I watched North and South I totally loved it! It is almost a direct parody of Pride and Prejudice. In fact I liked it even better! Coming from me, that is huge because I am one of the biggest Jane Austen Geeks ever. I think John Thorton is more like Mr. Darcy than Mr. Darcy is. He is dark and mysterious, and he really has the flaming temper that Mr. Darcy claims to have. And when he and Margret Hale (the female lead) are ticked off at eachother they let eachother know and have verbal battles. It is not like the Jane Austen setting where they are obligated to hide their fellings behind good manners. If they are hiding something it is either for a legitamite reason, or for the sake of their own pride. Another thing I liked about it was that there were also important issues that needed to be worked out. It wasn't like it was about people who are twiddling their thumbs waiting to fall in love and be swept off their feet. It is an amazing movie. I totlly recommend it. Haven't watched cranford yet, but am looking forward to it.Read full review
NOTE: These aren't just "chick flicks". If you need to unwind from the modern push-button, wireless world, all three of these presentations will lighten your load. As a family, we enjoy watching these period pieces and seeing many of the fine actors that appear in other British-themed shows. The amount of effort put into to these productions really pays off. They're masterfully, artistically rendered adaptations of the original books. With elaborate costuming, of these are filmed on real locations which gives them a solid, realistic space. Let's not forget the humor in all three of these. That's what makes us laugh at the characters. All three point to ourselves and society, how we make mountains out of nothing. As well as prejudging people, our neighbors, and not being objective about our own situations and shortcomings. (This is why Dickens, Jane Austin, et al are still so popular). There is also a sense of right & wrong and that there is still good in the world. This is what gives these a timeless quality. Wives & Daughters: Wonderfully acted story about a doctor and his daughter serving and living in a pretentious hamlet where it's seems they're the only normal people. a place where the family hearth & fireplace were the center of discourse, not filtered social media. Cranford: What more can I say. It's "Golden Girls" in Victorian England. It's full of very familiar actors as well. Don't take it too seriously though. The overt, pretentious feminism is tongue-in-cheek. This adaptation exposes the hypocrisy of this so-called strife. Proving it is a pleasant fiction of our own making. "Return to Cranford" which is not part of this BBC set doesn't have the same energy, but never-the-less, worth a gander. North & South: Is an underplayed "Pride & Prejudice" by any other name. Sans the humor. It's an irony play. The main character Margaret hale, (from bucolic Southern England) finds herself forced to live in the North. At first, she acts in a way that is brash and acerbic. The antithesis of what you'd expect from a genteel, "Southern" lady during that period. She finds herself eventually realizing the people of the North, albeit more business and factory minded, are still human and have subtle graces and qualities--like loyalty and family. The "prides & prejudices" between the two main characters illustrate these man-made misconceptions that still pervade our own times. These fine adaptations are more than entertaining, they highlight something of ourselves with drama and humor. Lastly, if you need little balance from Rambo First Blood, I'd suggest these will do the job. Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I got a good deal for the collection, I really wanted to see “North & South”, “Wives and Daughters” I already had, but I landed to someone and never got it back, so to watch this movie again, felt good. North & South has really blown me away; the chemistry between 2 main characters is amazing, they are very good & compatible actors, the story line was a bit long, but got interesting as it unraveled. It was very interesting to see that even in hard time’s woman can still be strong and make major decisions and strong men can carry out even if their pride has been wounded. I strongly recommend watching North & South, I almost worn out my DVD to the holes Wives and Daughters I have seen many years ago, also very good, a little lighter on the feel, less drama compare to N&S but has a good character and manner to it. And last, “Cranford”, was not impressed at all, in fact it was so boring that I almost fell asleep, all the somewhat interesting things happen at the very end of the second CD, and the only captivating moments are the familiar faces of well know actors :/ The acting part was very good, no doubt about that, it’s just the whole story was boring… Did not like the Cranford at all, and would not recommend watching it…Read full review
As a fan of Victorian & Regency literature, I eagerly awaited Masterpiece Classic's adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's Cranford. The story was excellent & it was such a pleasure to see such wonderful acting. The creme de la creme of English actors appeared in even the smallest parts! Her other works in the set are fabulous also. I bought this set as I have almost worn out my copy of North & South from repeated viewings! The ending scene is one of the most romantic scenes ever filmed ( even if it deviates from the novel) & Richard Armitage & Daniella Denby-Ashe are a couple with great chemistry. Wives & Daughters is a compelling & sweeping novel that will keep you quite interested in it's multiple characters. This is such a great set of DVD's to add to your collection.
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