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5.06.2013

A Review: BBC's North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell


HOLY MOLY! I am going to admit something here that doesn't leave this blog. Ever. I didn't know  what North and South was about. True statement, folks. I'd heard of it and knew it was something I should probably think about reading sometime BUT had NO idea that it would be this. It's like Charles Dickens BUT enjoyable. Actually, I can't say that for sure because I've never read Gaskell and I have read Dickens, but it seems that they're sort of on the same page. Yes, it's a love story, but more importantly, it's about the rise of industrialization in England, the prejudices against those living in the north vs. the south, and the conditions factory workers were forced to endure.

I could have done without the actress that played Miss Hale. Let's talk about finding someone that makes more than ONE face. Ok? Ok.

And BATES, people!!! Ok, ok Brendan Coyle. Still. Love him!


Shout out to my lovely mother, Lisa, who recommended this one about a thousand times and then managed to tell me every movie Richard Armitage has ever been in because she's thinks he's a super hunk. What can I say? She's got good taste.

Yes, there were parts that were uber-cheesy. And then there are parts that are so good you can't believe you're watching a BBC period drama (let's be real, people). I also learned from my Mom that the ending is completely changed in this adaptation and could have been better. It seemed a little fishy... but I'll let you decide for yourself.  

So.. watch it!

Also, I watched Gwyneth Paltrow as Emma this weekend while the bf was out of town. And I kind of liked it too. 

15 comments:

  1. I love North and South! I read the book after watching the mini series, but that was a while ago, so I don't remember what the ending was. The mini series is great! Yes a little cheesy at times, but I think the rest of it makes up for that. Now I want to watch it again!
    ~Sara

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    1. Yeah, overall I thought it was really good. There were bits (like the ending) that made me frown a little, but on the whole great production. I felt the atmosphere and everything was perfect (not incredibly romanticized) and that's always a plus. Glad I could remind you! :)

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  2. Oh my days - this show! I seriously had a fan girl problem with this when it came out. Richard Armitage? Yes please. Miss Hale is a tad irritating and the ending is just that bit too perfect but blow me down I loved this series. It's not as good as the book (nothing ever is) but it does come pretty close.

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    1. Umm.. yes! Richard Armitage... hottie! Haha. I actually didn't even know who he was until I saw this. I had to immediately go and look at pictures of him in The Hobbit because I had no idea. He's a great actor.

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  3. I have yet to see the BBC version or read the book, but it sounds like I need to. Plus, when I saw that pic of Mr. Bates,well, I know now that I need to watch the BBC version of it ASAP! I love Mr. Bates ;)

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    1. Yes, he's pretty magnificent in this one too. Always the noble and willful character. I think you'd definitely love this one. Let me know if you watch it anytime soon! I think it's available on netflix streaming.

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  4. It's so interesting watching the movie versions of books. I think it's hard to do well, so I'm always intrigued when someone seems to succeed!

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    1. Yeah, it's so awesome when a director gets it right! But then it's all about opinion....
      I thought this was a pretty good mini-series and I've seen a lot!

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  5. I was psyched when Bates turned up, too! :) Loved this mini-series.

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    1. Yes! Totally surprised me. Couldn't believe I waited so long!

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  6. I really need to finish reading the frackin' book so I can get to the movie!

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  7. You know, as much as I find the Victorian era fiction as to be something worthy of stabbing myself in the eye with a pen, I'll admit that BBC always aims to knock it out of the park. Their crime dramas are always way superior to average. So I'm sure that you're absolutely right about that.

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  8. I thought "North and South" was a TV show about a love story in the American Civil War, I know, kill me!

    Haven't read it, but loved Cranford and I think you'd do too.

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  9. Not sure you've ever seen 'Robin Hood' - a BBC series that was on about 10 years ago - Richard Armitage as the tortured soul of the Sheriff of Nottingham - absolutely gorgeous. And yes, your mum is right, North and South is probably Gaskell's most interesting book - a great love story and very educational too. Judy.

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  10. I love the adaptation and the book. Since being blown away by the mini-series a few years ago, I became a fan of Richards and fell even more in love with Gaskell's book. Cranford is my least favorite Gaskell adaptation. Mary Barton is in production. It should be good! It's a very dramatic story with a similar setting to N&S. There WAS a 'North and South' Civil War mini-seried that ran in the 80's (with Patrick Swayze and Kirstie Alley). There's a campaign on Facebook to encourage Masterpiece to broadcast N&S. It's never aired nationally on PBS. I think it would be a hit!

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