North & South

I enjoyed North & South because of a few things: the beautiful setting and cinematography and the fact that the characters are so believable! The actors are very good and Richard Armitage is fantastic! He is handsome, charming, he has that kind of authority that makes for a great leading male-role. Daniela Denby-Ashe is also worthy of her role, I like her modest, soft beauty, it goes so well with the century portrayed and her role, just perfect. I applaud the makers of this film, it is worth watching and enjoyable. If I am however to comment on something North & South is very much lacking... it is suspense. You just know from the beginning that Margaret is going to end up with Thornton, the whole thing is just postponing THE moment when they declare their love for one another. I would have expected a more intricate design. Too straightforward, you know where it is heading and once it takes you there there is no wow-moment.

This adaptation kept faithful to the story as a whole. Though the screenplay varied a bit from the novel itself, the variations, I think, added to the brilliance of the film. This production brought the characters to life in such a way that has endeared them to me. The actors gave captivating performances. Everyone of them was very memorable. They were so good that I can't imagine anyone else playing them better. Richard Armitage brought Mr. Thornton to life with intensity and vulnerability. He is the perfect Mr. Thorton, even more perfect than the one I imagined. Daniela Denby-Ashe played perfectly the part of Margaret, the prejudiced, headstrong young lady. And, of course, without the perfection that is the supporting cast, this wouldn't be as Enthralling as it is. The cinematography was stunning and I've fallen in love with the music. This is a superb production as a whole and has left nothing more wanting, except that I want more of it.

I found part of this film on an internet site and had to order the DVD. I was totally lost in this wonderful love story. It is now one of my favorite movies. The casting was very well done. I have always loved period dramas, but had never heard of this particular title. After watching the movie, I have since read the book, which is very good too. The film is pretty much true to the book, with a few twists and a slightly different ending. I loved the movie ending! This film has also made me an avid Richard Armitage fan. I can't wait to see in him in other roles. I am currently watching Robin Hood Season 1. Anyone reading...do you know if Season 2 is going to be released in the US and when?

Today, Dec. 22nd, is my birthday. My husband was "reminded" that I wanted the North and South DVD. He called me from Barnes and Noble and asked if I wanted the Civil War one or the Jane Austen one! I said certainly not the Civil War one, but Elizabeth Gaskell's version. So guess what I found waiting for me at home?! John Jakes' North and South deluxe DVD edition. My husband then claimed I said I didn't want the Jane Austen version. We proceeded to get in an argument - he stating that there was indeed a Jane Austen North and South. He had to go and call B&N himself to get the "right" answer. I guess the sales clerk had said that it was "Jane Austen-ish"! So anyway, be very specific when making your lists. Now I have to wait until tomorrow to exchange it and begin indulging my addiction.