North And South (2 Discs)

Didn't think I was going to love it as much as I do ... brilliant. Similar to Pride and Prejudice but darker, deeper and for romantics, more fulfilling. And Richard Armitage makes a great John Thornton, no one scowls quite like Richard. If you love period dramas, you'll love this.

This is an outstanding adaptation of the well known classic novel by Elizabeth Gaskell and with the exception of the ending, stays true to the novel in everyway.
There are excellent performances from Daniella Denby-Ashe, Richard Armitage, Brendan Coyle and Sinead Cusack who, not only show us the many complexities of their own characters, but also how they influence the other characters in the plot. You may initially dislike a character, but after seeing their love and loyalty for their family or friends, you appreciate their vulnerable side and come to love the character inspite of their weaknesses.
Beautifully filmed in various locations, you really feel as though you have been transported back to Victorian Britain, the attention to detail is wonderful as is the soundtrack which accompanies the key scenes.

It's one of the best adaptations made by the BBC in recent years: engrossing, thought-provoking, good actors, some memorable scenes and music (the sequence in the mill by the end of episode #1... great. Mrs. Gaskell herself would have been proud of it ), it manages to stay pretty close to the feel and spirit of the book for the most part too.
The are two big artistic licenses that I can remember (one - the most easy to overlook and accept imho - at the very end, while the first and possibly a bit unsettling difference vs the book concerns Mr Thornton's introduction and behaviour as we first meet him... ) , but the overall quality managed to persuade even my inner book book purist.
In short, don't miss it. The price is also a super bargain.
I consider it among the very best the BBC has ever done in terms of classic literature on screen.
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Service and delivery were reasonably timely as I live in a notoriously infamous country mail service-wise: 14 days from online order to delivery in my mail box including holiday days.
The big surprise was the cover design and picture being different from what was shown in the preview... but in this case I like the 'surprise' cover more ;) .

I loved it, it is one of the best series ever. I have to agree about the kissing scene on the trainstation and on the train.
BBc knows how to cast the best actors and the two leading caracters are a joy to watch. for all of us which love period-drama, this is a must .

What can i say this is a fantastic film and i can't get enough of it, it is one i can watch again and again. it does give hope that there is a person out there for us all
and what's more the most fab actor and the most good looking one Richard Armitage