This meme celebrates an awesome adaptation related to a weekly category. Any format of adaptation (television series, film, web series, etc.) is acceptable as long as it is based in some form on a book. Awesome Adaptations was created by Alisa Selene at PictureMeReading.
An Awesome Multi-Generational Adaptation
Title: North and South
Adapted from: North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
Adapted from: North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
This is a book I've been meaning to read for awhile - ever since watching this gorgeous adaptation. If my heart wasn't already bound to Jane Eyre, this would absolutely be my favorite period drama miniseries. I believe there are a few liberties taken in this miniseries when compared to the book, but from what I've read about it all the changes improved upon the story. The ending, for example, which is so curl-into-your-sofa romantic you want to haunt train stations in the hopes of finding your true love. But I'm getting ahead of myself.
I'm pushing the multi-generational aspect but I'll just say that it is in the influences of Margaret and John's families on them - John Thornton's mother in particular plays a big role in the story, and her relationship with her son is so touching even while she can be a little too controlling. This miniseries has a pretty large cast of characters - with a focus on the different families and how each are affected differently by the politics and class differences of the time. It's an interesting commentary on the working class and compassion in the face of adversity. I love the depth in this story in addition to the romance.
Of course I must say shallowly, how about that Richard Armitage! Such gravitas and earnest strength and piercing blue eyes, it's hard to understand why Margaret didn't fall for him immediately. (Okay that first scene with John Thornton was pretty off-putting, so kudos to the adapters for totally redeeming John by the end - or rather within minutes!). For most of the series Margaret has little respect for John, and he has to gradually earn it, which makes their relationship build in a way that is so beautiful. And the fact that you know John is in love with her, but can't act on it because she has rejected him makes for some exquisitely romantic, tension filled scenes.
This series is smart, beautifully acted and shot, with strong, believable performances. It has great character relationships - a romantic one of course, but also strong parent-child relationships and great friendships. If you haven't seen this, please check it out!!
I'm pushing the multi-generational aspect but I'll just say that it is in the influences of Margaret and John's families on them - John Thornton's mother in particular plays a big role in the story, and her relationship with her son is so touching even while she can be a little too controlling. This miniseries has a pretty large cast of characters - with a focus on the different families and how each are affected differently by the politics and class differences of the time. It's an interesting commentary on the working class and compassion in the face of adversity. I love the depth in this story in addition to the romance.
Of course I must say shallowly, how about that Richard Armitage! Such gravitas and earnest strength and piercing blue eyes, it's hard to understand why Margaret didn't fall for him immediately. (Okay that first scene with John Thornton was pretty off-putting, so kudos to the adapters for totally redeeming John by the end - or rather within minutes!). For most of the series Margaret has little respect for John, and he has to gradually earn it, which makes their relationship build in a way that is so beautiful. And the fact that you know John is in love with her, but can't act on it because she has rejected him makes for some exquisitely romantic, tension filled scenes.
This series is smart, beautifully acted and shot, with strong, believable performances. It has great character relationships - a romantic one of course, but also strong parent-child relationships and great friendships. If you haven't seen this, please check it out!!
