Customer Reviews

North & South

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"North & South" was released in the UK in November 2004 and in the US in July 2005. Since its first broadcast, viewers across the globe have hailed it as one of the best - if not the best - British period miniseries ever produced. It was voted BBC's "Best of 2004" in drama, actor and actress categories, among others.

Many in the US will probably confuse Elizabeth Gaskell's "North & South" to John Jake's civil war drama of the same name. While Jake's tells the story of America's north and south, Gaskell's story is rooted in Victorian England. John Thornton, a handsome, stern, passionate manufacturer from Milton represents the north. Margaret Hale, an outspoken, beautiful and spirited young woman from Helstone represents the south. When the Hales move from the idyllic village of Helstone to the bustling, industrial city of Milton, Margaret and Thornton's lives collide.

John Thornton is instantly attracted to Margaret while she is repulsed by his haughty demeanor and the way he treats his employees. She develops a disdain for the wealthy 'masters' (manufacturers) and strikes a friendship with the daughter of the local union leader, much to Thornton's dismay. As Margaret becomes better acquainted with Mr. Thornton, she gradually comes to admire him. She discovers that he is hardworking, a devoted brother and son, generous and kind to Margaret's parents, and is loyal and honorable. However, when the workers in Milton strike, the turn of events that follow drive a wedge between Margaret and Thornton and eventually threaten to pull them apart.

"North & South" is produced by the excellent BBC and the screenplay was written by Sandy Welch, who also penned the outstanding "Our Mutual Friend." Everything you would expect from a topnotch BBC production is here - locations, sets, costumes, casting, direction, cinematography. The story is an adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's little known but well loved 19th century novel. Mrs. Gaskell also wrote "Wives & Daughters" which was turned to another superb miniseries starring Justine Waddell, Keeley Hawes and Francesca Annis in 1999.

I would be very remiss in writing a review for this miniseries without applauding the exemplary cast. The little known Richard Armitage has earned a throng of fans overnight because of his unforgettable portrayal of John Thornton. He has since replaced Pride & Prejudice's Colin Firth as my favorite brooding hero and infuses so much passion and charisma into his role. Daniela Denby-Ashe is wonderful and charming as Margaret Hale. Also excellent are Brendan Coyle as the gruff but good-hearted Nicholas Higgins, Sinead Cusack as John Thornton's haughty but devoted mother, Joy Joyner as the funny and superficial Fanny Thornton, Lesley Manville as Mrs. Hale and Tim Piggot-Smith as Mr. Hale.

"North & South" has since replaced 1995's "Pride & Prejudice" as my favorite miniseries. It tugs at the heart and sweeps the viewer off their feet. The relationships that develop between its main characters (notably, Thornton and Margaret; Thornton and Higgins; Margaret and Bessy Higgins) and the journey that Margaret and Thornton go through are truly unforgettable. In fact, you will wish that the ending didn't come so soon!

"North and South" went through a sad process of editing when BBC America aired it in July 2005. A full hour was cut from the miniseries to make room for commercials. Finally, with this dvd release US viewers now have a chance to see this instant classic as it was meant to be seen - with a 233 minute running time and with all the scenes intact. The dvd also includes a delightful interview with Richard Armitage, a handful of deleted scenes (including an extended 'proposal' scene), commentaries and cast biographies.

If you are an anglophile or a fan of high-quality period drama, you owe it to yourself to see "North & South." Fans of "Pride & Prejudice," "Wives & Daughters," "Middlemarch," Dickens / Austen adaptations and the like should not miss this. I have no doubt that most of you will fall in love with this miniseries as many of us have. Everyone whom I have recommended this miniseries to have at least liked it (and at most, are completely obsessed with it). This dvd is a keeper and deserves a place in any period drama fan's dvd collection.

When I stumbled across an upcoming DVD entitled "North & South" on Amazon UK's website earlier this year, I had no idea what was in store...I bought the DVD sight unseen, taking a chance that the BBC would do a good job as always: man, was I surprised! This BBC series is absolutely fantastic!! I have always been a huge fan of 1995's "Pride & Prejudice", as well as other BBC (and other companies') period movies: "North & South" has endeared itself to my heart, and is quickly becoming my favorite period film in at least a decade!

Margaret Hale's world is turned upside-down when her minister father gives up his Southern "Helstone" parish and moves her and her mother to the Northern industrial town, "Milton." Her first encounter with mill owner Mr. Thornton leaves much to be desired and leaves her feeling that "the North" is an untenable place to live. After spending time getting to know the plight of the various poor mill workers and taking care of her beloved and now-ailing mother, Margaret begins to warm to her new town: but can a "Southern" gal as she ever truly feel at home in such an alien "Northern" place? And will she ever be able to get past her initial dislike of Mr. Thornton?

This is a fantastic, beautifully-filmed and well-done series (aired on BBC USA in July)! The cinematography is so excellent and compelling, and the scenes wonderfully acted: Daniela Denby Ashe as Margaret Hale and Richard Armitage as Mr. Thornton are completely wonderful. If you have seen this series, let me just say the train scene is one of my favorites of all time! The content is kept to mild violence (of angry mill workers) and little else: clean and family-friendly, this great TV series will endear itself to your heart as much as mine, just give it a chance...

If you can find the time, read the book by Elizabeth Gaskell: I just finished it, and let me tell you, it is absolutely amazing! BBC did a good job of adapting it (although some storyline and characters have been altered for the sake of time).

Again, this is a wonderful series and well worth the time, effort and money you will spend!

With his sharp, hawklike features and piercing eyes, Richard Armitage (Cold Feet ser. 5), gives a breathtaking perfomance in what is doubtless to become his signature role as the stern, powerful, proud cotton-mill owner, John Thornton, in this splendid four-part 2004 adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's turbulent 1855 novel, North & South.

Margaret Hale is a beautiful young woman who has been a part of London society and who "hales" from an Edenic village in the South of England--a part of the world where life moves at a slower pace, untainted by the filth, over-crowding, anonymity, and abject poverty which was a by-product of the industrial revolution in the North. Her life is turned upside down, however, when her father, a local vicar, suffers a crisis of faith which results in him leaving the church and uprooting his family to the dreary, smoky, northern industrial town of Milton where he hopes to eke out a living as a tutor.

Margaret is disgusted by all she sees in this new, foreign place which is unlike anything she has ever known. She lays the fault for the appalling social conditions at the feet of the industrialists--the "masters"--towards whom she betrays an almost instant prejudice. The industrialist who bears the brunt of Margaret's antagonism and criticism is John Thornton, a pupil and friend of her father's.

The central story revolves around the antagonistic relationship between these two characters, and it is hard not to make comparisons with Austen's Pride & Prejudice. Though he's a hard-working industrialist rather than an idle, landed gentleman, Thornton is very similar to Darcy, as much for his serious, stern, brooding nature as for his integrity and strength of character. Also like Darcy, he falls desperately in love--despite himself--with a strong-willed, proud, outspoken, intelligent young woman who spurns his love and sends him off with his tail between his legs. Like the aloof, prejudiced Elizabeth Bennet, it is only after spurning her would-be lover that Margaret Hale comes to realize just what sort of man she has rejected. That said, I will say no more regarding their relationship, as I don't wish to spoil the story for those unfamiliar.

North & South also deals with the working and living conditions of the mill workers and with the labour unions of the time. We see the union from the perspective of both the masters and the workers, but we also see tension within the ranks of the workers. Solidarity is the foundation upon which the union gets its strength, but we are forced to question the justification of the union's tyrannical enforcement of it when we see cruel harships befall certain individuals as a result.

Dvd extras include deleted scenes and an interesting 15-minute interview with Richard Armitage. Text-based extras include interesting production notes and "bios" of 5 of the main actors, which consist of little in the way of biography and are mostly comments about themselves and their roles! There is also a commentary on episodes 1 & 4.

North & South is a powerful, passionate, beautiful story (not to mention rivetting--I initially watched it on television, and rarely have I seen a show in which it was SO hard to wait for the next episode). The acting is flawless and the production values unsurpassed, which result in a visually stunning, rich, dynamic presentation. I have no hesitation in saying that this is one of the best dramas (period or otherwise) produced by the BBC in a very long time. It will be a special treat for anyone with a penchant for period productions; as for those who enjoyed 1995's Pride & Prejudice, it is absolutely a must see! In short, this is one mini-series which I cannot praise highly enough, and I recommend it unreservedly to anyone looking for top quality dramatic entertainment.

Top Twelve Reasons "North and South" is a ten:

PRODUCTION VALUES: Historic looms weave again. Lemon-yellow sunlight floods a garden's translucent petals and leaves. Made me cry. Gave me chills.

MARTIN PHIPPS' HYPNOTIC SCORE: reminiscent of Gorecki; minimalism that drills past the kapital-K-krap of the last hundred years of pop culture and reaches something as fundamental as the beat of a human heart, the lungs' breath. Honors both one of the most wrenchingly intimate onscreen moments ever and yet also the sweep of the Industrial Revolution.

SINEAD CUSACK: breathtaking as a ruthless matriarch; better, even than Nancy Marchand as a Mafia queen in "The Sopranos."

POSTURE: Never has so much drama been milked out of actors' vertebrae. Helen Hayes' czarina pose in "Anastasia" was good, but Sinead Cusack's carriage and Richard Armitage's spinal column earn special Academy Awards.

PLOT TWISTS: I did not know where this one was going until the very last moment of the very last scene. Twists pulled me into the issues the plot engages, and made me engage them myself.

IT'S COMPLICATED: Leftist academics' pinko-tinged glasses depict the workers as beautiful and bosses as diabolical. But tycoon Andrew Carnegie, who brutalized his workers, was an epic philanthropist; workers scabbed, drank, and beat their kids. N&S depicts historical complications with its heroic/brutal workers/bosses. All characters are sometimes sympathetic, and sometimes utterly alienating - just like real life! A complex script works to earn our understanding, and our love, for complex human beings, the service, art, at its best, performs.

CHICK FLICK: "Fight, flight, or fix it" is a male response. Guy flix: explosions, chases, gadgets. "Tend and befriend" is a female response. We restore the world by ministering to its root: human hearts. N&S presents its heroine and its viewer with misunderstandings she must address; doing so, she matures, and we mature with her. Margaret's blossoming is an integral cog in a shock striking the world even today: the journey from tradition and pastoral beauty to sharp-elbow competition and industrial ugliness. Margaret's flailing culture shock and attempts to find, remain, and cultivate her best self under a rulebook she hasn't yet seen mirrors millions' struggle. Daniela Denby-Ashe limn's Margaret's triumph with honesty and grace. She's not afraid to be unlikeable; she's not even afraid to be noble.

MISOGYNY-FREE ZONE: We are so awash in misogyny, often fed by women themselves - who can forget the blow struck for women's dignity by celebrities who go out without their underthings? - that N&S is almost shocking in the respect it shows women. Margaret Hale has a front-row seat to one of the greatest upheavals in human history: industrialization. She takes on its rewards and woes. She makes decisions, engages with the powerful, grows and changes. And she does all this without once trivializing herself, or allowing anyone else to trivialize her. *And* she's accompanied by interesting women and girls, both rich and poor. That, alone, makes N&S worth more than a hundred critical darlings in which misogyny is an inescapable ingredient.

MORALITY. CHRISTIANITY. HOPE. REMEMBER THOSE? Gaskell's book and this adaptation take on really hard challenges: workers v. capitalists, traditional rural life's poverty and its beauty v. laissez-faire capitalism's new opportunities, ugliness and anomie. N&S could have just exploited the Industrial Revolution as colorful backdrop; it didn't. N&S attempts to offer solutions and hope, based on fundamental Christian values like non-violence and sharing. Gee, what if the folks who had made the nihilistic downer film "Syriana," about our dependence on petroleum, had tried something similar? When the N&S boss and his workers sat down to a meal together, I cried cynicism-free tears. But . . . what WERE they eating? It looked like sludge. The redemption in the movie's key kiss is not just about eros, it's also about agape. And that made me cry. (Cried many times.)

BRENDAN COYLE AS NICHOLAS HIGGINS: Let's import Higgins, making sure he keeps that snazzy, puffy-sleeved shirt that displays his chest hair. He'd be a greater boost to the trade union movement than locating Jimmy Hoffa.

NOT A SINGLE WASTED CHARACTER, PERFORMANCE, OR SCENE: A bereaved husband converses with his late wife, as a maid looks on, her facial expression speaking volumes. A desperate man gazes at running water dyed purple. The most amazing scene of all, every bit as stunning as the famous crane shot in GWTW: a woman, her straw hat and bumpkin gait rendering her an agrarian silhouette in an industrial landscape, drawn by a seductive, menacing, thrum, walks up to a large wooden door, pulls it back, and steps into the Industrial Revolution. "I have seen hell, and it is white, snow white." Mebbe so. But that scene is cinematic heaven-on-earth.

RICHARD ARMITAGE: I don't even want to go there. Let's just say that I've just purchased the latest ticket to his crowded harem of adoring fans, and this: even if I had watched N&S with the sound turned off; Armitage's performance was so exquisitely articulate I could have transcribed pages of dialogue and backstory just from studying his face. But if I watched with the sound turned off, I would have missed the most arresting screen voice since Orson Welles, and the dreamiest since Ronald Coleman . . . Ladies, cave. Resistance is futile.

Richard Armitage, who plays the enigmatic mill owner John Thornton, gives fellow Brit Colin Firth a run for his money in terms of great acting and yes, the hottness factor. Speaking of Colin Firth associations, the proposal scene is reminiscent of Darcy and Elizabeth in terms of misunderstandings and unjust, preconceived opinons. It seems that from the moment of her refusal, Margaret is thereafter interested in and (subconsciously) attracted to this self-made man.

I thought the relationship between John and his mother particularly beautiful. Yes, Mrs. Thorton had a harsh opinion of Margaret Hale, but that was mostly out of her desire to protect her son from Margaret's romantic rejection. Mrs. Thorton said that a mother's love will outlast every other type of love, and she believed in her son and knew he'd take care of her even after his prospects had changed. (Fortunately, Margaret's (contrived) business proposal would get the mill up and running again.)

This movie (based on Elizabeth Gaskell's novel) allowed for all points of view--we saw too close for comfort the plight of the mill workers who'd soon strike: some of them lived in constant fear of starvation, while others contracted consumption because of unhealthy working conditions and died well before their time. We also see child labor and how it was normalized at this point in time. Yet John Thorton, our romantic hero and the proprietor of one of the three or four cotton mills in Milton, is not without compassion or principles. However, the interests and perspectives of the mill owners and workers were at cross-purposes. Mr. Thorton and the other mill owners discussed concerns about the impending strike, whether they should seek cheaper suppliers outside of England, and whether they should recruit Irish workers to fill in for the strikers. Margaret's dad, a displaced parson (he had qualms about the mandatory role of the Book of Common Prayer in the Anglican Church) offered spiritual advice to the mill owners, but I don't think his well-intentioned interjections were much heeded. However, he observed that when he heard reasoned arguments from both sides of the dilemna, he could understand both points of view, and therefore, he recommended that both parties (mill owners and striking workers) have open dialogues.

Mr. Thorton became Rev. Hale's pupil, and the two of them tackled Plato and other monumental works. Mr. Thorton's education was interrupted when he was forced to leave school at 16 and take care of his mother and younger sister while repaying his deceased father's debts from speculation.

The role of Fanny, John's younger sister, seemed one-dimensional and stereotypical. She seemed to have forgotten that she and her family were impoverished not too long ago b/f her brother's Horatio Alger rags-to-riches turnaround. The mother was far more connected to the family's source of income and purposely lived close to her son's mill and even supervised some of the workers. She was beaming with pride over her son's accomplishments, yet she forgot how to see from the layman's perspective.

Elizabeth Gaskell wrote with a great social conscience. Yet she also wrote with a great romantic imagination. That two people who seem so different would come to fall in love and be willing to revise their faulty perceptions and grow and change is sight for sore eyes. My favorite scene from this movie is the last scene at the train station where John and Margaret "publicly display their affections" (a bit risque for the Victorian era) after Margaret nervously proposed her "business plan" to save the mill. I don't think John's thoughts could have been further from the mill as he kissed and embraced Margaret. (I confess to having been more than a little jealous of Daniela Denby-Ashe during this scene! :-)

The music was "specially composed by Martin Phipps," yet I think I recognize some of Mahler's symphonic music in the movie. As a Mahler fan, the music makes the movie even more beautiful.

Richard Armitage is to the role of John Thornton as Jeremy Brett was to the role of Sherlock Holmes!!!
...that is *the* highest compliment I would know how to give an actor.

All of the characters are portrayed brilliantly in this film, with the only real flaw being the actresses who speak their parts with that annoying wishy-washy voice at times, even our strong heroine. This is more of a personal annoyance I'm sure; I've just never understood the extra whiny or sugary presentation in many a period piece.

As I'm sure you'll read in many other reviews, the direction/production of this film is absolutely top-notch! Couldn't possibly be better! And the story line holds your attention from beginning to end, with the suspense building & building as to whether or not (& when) our hero & heroine will finally end up together. Very romantic, indeed!

I saw this film ONCE on BBC America, and HAD to own it! Can't say enough about the character of John Thornton, and Richard Armitage's performance to bring him to life. If only such men *really* existed!! ..one can always dream. ;-)

Like many others, "Pride & Prejudice" (the Firth/Ehle version, 1995) has been a LONGTIME favorite, ...but I never quite "felt" the spark between the characters that is much more obviously represented in "North & South". We seem to get much more insight into Thornton's character, and can really "feel" the admiration and passion that grows between Ms. Hale & Mr. Thornton from start to finish. ..Almost every single scene is filled with romance, however subtle or direct. One of the most moving scenes being the simplest, ...as Mr. Thornton says, "Look back, ...Look back at me". ..really takes your breath away! Also makes a girl want to pack her bags and move to jolly ol' England in search of one of those fine gentlemen we're always reading about in these English novels.

For those of you who have not yet seen this film, this is a MUST HAVE! And yes, it has the same (if not better) replay factor that "Pride & Prejudice" has, so you won't be sorry you spent the dollars on it!

This BBC film is a pure jewel! Like some of the reviewers on Amazon, I didn't see the film on TV because French TV seldom broadcast British films like Pride and Prejudice and North&South. But luckily for me, I have a strong liking for everything that is English (cinema, literature, theatre and music) and I am always deeply interested in what British TV can produce. I've seen the BBC Pride and Prejudice many times (I've also read the book) I like it -even though my preference goes to the new 2005 movie (sorry, can't help it)- and I am even familiar with Elizabeth Gaskell's work (I've read Mary Barton and I've started reading North&South). So, on reading the positive reviews on Amazon and on the BBC website, I decided to buy it, although I knew little about the whole story. My God, I never imagined that this BBC film could be so good! I can't even describe how I felt when I first watched the first episode except that I became completely hooked and I couldn't stop watching until I knew how it ended. And what an end!!! Now I can only say that it has even eclipsed the BBC P&P film in my heart. Everything is perfect, the cast and the acting, the setting, the photography, the dialogues, the music, the social background. The background definitely adds another interesting layer to the film because you can see both sides, the mill owners' and the workers' and you can see them at their work. All the characters are marvellous and so likeable. They really make a difference because they have a lot of depth and there is always a certain dignity about them.
We can thank Elizabeth Gaskell for creating such wonderful characters, yet they wouldn't make such an impression in the film if the actors weren't so great. They really got into their parts. Sinead Cusack is a magnificent Mrs Thornton, this iron lady who does her best to control her emotions but then you look through her eyes and realize that she is not as cold or hard as she seems, especially when you take full measure of the depth of her love for her son. What a fantastic mother she is! And what about Brandon Coyle/ Higgins, I mean, I've just talked about the dignity of the characters, here is a fine example, you just have to look at the face of this union leader to know that he is at heart a good man, even though he is a bit ruthless sometimes. Jo Joyner as John's sister is a delight, probably the only source of comic relief in the story. But the whole cast is great! And of course, the film wouldn't be so captivating if there wasn't Daniela Denby-Ashe and Richard Armitage in the parts of Margaret and Mr Thornton. Mr Thornton, oh, God, What a man! I fell in love with this fascinating character. Of course, Richard Armitage is already so charismatic that you can't take your eyes off him. But the man is so dedicated to his work, -contrary to Darcy, he has known poverty and he has had to fight back-that you feel an admiration for him! Out of nothing but using his wits, he has been able to run a fine business and when we first meet him, he is a well-off and powerful mill owner. His position in society makes him arrogant and brutal, yet, he remains fair with his workers and, thanks to Margaret, he becomes more aware of the living conditions of the working class and even becomes a caring master. He has such a strength or resilience; yet, at the same time, his love for Margaret makes him vulnerable. Oh, the way he looks at her! (sigh)
It is incredible what the two actors can produce on screen. In the proposal scene, the interaction between them is so intense. There is so much passion on their faces and in the way they respond to each other that it is breathtaking. I was really shaking inside. -I always feel a bit frustrated by the BBC P&P, although the actors are excellent, because the film sticks too much to the book. And I wish that we could see more touching of hands or more signs of passion between Firth and Ehle.- Thankfully here, the film, North &South, is not completely faithful to the book especially concerning the dialogues and so they have more impact in the film. The ending scene, in particular is so beautiful that it brings tears to my eyes. Is it due to R. Armitage's magnetism on screen or to the tenderness that is palpable between them when they talk or when they look at each other or to the way they touch each other's hands with the enchanting music behind? I can't tell. I don't think any words can really describe how I feel about this film so I will just stop there and let you enjoy the film for yourself. The DVD is also worth the money because it includes an interview with Armitage and commentaries.

This movie is an instant classic! Wow, what a gem! It will stand beside (maybe even replace?) "Pride and Prejudice" as THE period piece of all period pieces!

Let me just say, I rarely buy DVDs (especially without viewing them first), and I rarely watch movies again in a short time span. However, after reading the reviews of this movie and finding my local library did not have it, I purchased the film. I AM SO HAPPY I DID BECAUSE IT SURPASSED ALL OF MY EXPECTATIONS! This movie is so HAUNTINGLY BEAUTIFUL and STUNNING that I have owned it for only five days and I've already watched it twice--and I can't wait to watch it again! This movie just draws you in--it's so romantic and yet subtle, and it does a fabulous job exploring the social issues created by the Industrial Revolution. It truly takes you on a remarkable journey, sweeping you off your feet! The film makes you take a keen interest in the characters' lives, and you can't turn it off until you find out how it ends. (And the ending is SUPERB! *SIGH* You will love it! It's definitely THE most romantic movie ending I've ever seen, and it's accomplished with "less is more". It's so tender and beautiful that I predict you'll watch the last 8 minutes over and over!)

The characters and their development are FABULOUS! Mr. Thornton is so complex and has so many dimensions--you come to appreciate what a compelling character he is after exploring his motivations and thoughts during the course of the film. And to see how tender he is at the end (and to see him smile!) is so breathtaking and satisfying! Richard Armitage is STUNNING in this role. He gives the performance of a lifetime--a certain classic. He really made Mr. Thornton into a real person, a person you want to understand and want Margaret to love. WOW! I have to admit, I thought Daniela Denby-Ashe was a little weak as Margaret (she was just a little too breathy and whiny at moments for me), but Richard Armitage made up for everything and was SUPERB. Truly outstanding!

I'm on a period-movie kick right now (much to my husband's dismay!) and have watched "Wives and Daughters", A&E's "Pride and Prejudice", the new "Pride and Prejudice", and "North and South" over the space of two weeks. I have to say, "North and South" is the one that I can't stop thinking about. The music is hauntingly gorgeous, and the story has so many fabulous dimensions to draw you in. You will not be disappointed! An absolute classic!

Having enjoyed the brightness and light heartedness of films such as the 1990's Emma and Pride & Prejudice, I was not impressed by the initial dark and bleakness of North & South.

But by the end of the first episode, my doubts at purchasing this DVD (without ever seeing or hearing of the movie/book) were banished and I was a goner.

No long descriptions from me just: OH MY GOSH. *sigh* I have never loved a movie as much as this. I have never been swept up by passion as strong as this. I wish for amnesia just so I can be mesmorised for the first time ... again! I know, what a nutter.

Thank you Elizabeth Gaskell for the story the movie is based on. Thank you Sandy Welch for a magnificent adaptation.
Thank you Brian Percival for your wonderful direction. Thank you to all the cast for taking my breath away. And thank you to the BBC for making it all possible.

I rarely buy DVDs without having first seen the film, but based on reviews posted here and over on Netflix, the very favorable comparisons made to Colin Firth's Darcy in "Pride and Prejudice" and Richard Armitage's John Thornton in "North and South", I rushed out and bought this sight unseen. I didn't really expect it to live up to all the rave reviews, but I'm delighted to say it exceeded them, and oh, what a romantic ending -- compares favorably the ending in the Kiera Knightley/Matthew Macfayden movie, "Pride and Prejudice" although it takes place beginning on a railway platform and ending inside a train carriage.

I certainly can see why many compare "North and South" with "Pride and Prejudice" although most refer to the 1995 BBC production. But I would include the 2005 film in my comparison (and I love both versions) because, for example, I really noticed the close-ups on the touching of Thornton's and Margaret's hands, especially at the dinner party (I half expected Thornton to flex his hand as Macfayden's Darcy did; he doesn't) and later Margaret kissing his hand -- both these events compare very favorably with Matthew Macfayden's Darcy's reaction to holding Lizzy's hand to help her in a carriage and the ending when she kisses his hand. And Thornton's more casual look in the final sequences without his coat and cravat -- which gives him a romantic Lord Byron look in his big sleeved white shirt with wide cuffs which come to his knuckles -- rivals the casual look Darcy presented when he comes to Lizzy at dawn at the end of the film. These men go from being buttoned up and formal to more casual romantic suitors. It's very pleasing. I think most women will swoon at the kisses -- the best I've seen in a very long time -- as I did and it is true the 5+ minute ending is one of the most romantic and satisfying ever filmed. I've rewatched it many times.

Although the excellent story (wonderfully acted throughout by a talented cast) is grim at times (people do die in this), and it is certainly not the lighthearted fare of "Pride and Prejudice" as it deals with the Industrial Revolution -- the horrifying working conditions in the cotton mills, strikers versus their employers -- I think the story is more real and easier to relate to than "Pride and Prejudice." And, interestingly enough, it is a story which would more easily be updated to a present day story in some ways (look at United Airlines, General Motors and others which are struggling with worker's vs. management, layoffs and averting financial ruin). I found it is easier to relate to businessman/entrepreneur John Thornton struggling to run his cotton mill, a huge manufacturing complex, as he deals with restless workers and the market forces of the cotton industry (the pre-Civil War Americans -- this story is set around 1850 -- are flooding the English markets with cheap cotton products and English manufacturers like Thornton are having a hard time competing) than to landed gentry and matchmaking of Jane Austen's books. This business aspect, as well as certain parts of the love story, are almost contemporary.

The love/hate, pride/prejudice behavior between Thornton and Margaret definitely rivals in many ways the Elizabeth/Darcy relationship right down to her rejection of his offer of marriage, their verbal barbs, his walking from her home after his rejected proposal (shades of Colin Firth's Darcy leaving Mr. Collin's house after Lizzy rejected him). Above all, Richard Armitage (a very handsome actor) as Thornton definitely does smoulder as much as Colin Firth's Darcy did -- maybe more so. I hope to see a lot more of him because it's not just looks here, but he's a very fine and talented actor.

All the actors in this production are terrific. This is a wonderful BBC production I can highly recommend and again, the last 5 minutes are among the most romantic ever filmed!