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!!
I love North & South...the miniseries...I haven't read the book.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes that first scene with John Thornton was pretty off-putting...and from what I've heard it wasn't in the book...so I kinda wish they didn't put it in because it gives him an extra unnecessary negative image.
I think that Margaret did fall for him quite early...just that she's in denial because he is so different from her world and she didn't think she should like someone like him.
Yes to all you said, this series is perfection. And oh I love the cotton mill scenes (so pretty...like snow) and the music too.
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Yeah, I don't know if that first scene was entirely necessary - but it is nice to warm up to a character after such an introduction. I didn't think she liked him that much at the first proposal at the end of the 2nd episode - the 3rd episode she started to feel gratitude and admiration and then eventually love.
DeleteAnd yes, it's great how they can make the cotton mills so pretty despite the industrialization! I also adore the music - I should have touched on that in my post - it never overpowers the scenes and is just so beautiful!
The book is very similar to the adaptation, yet different. As we don't get much of Thornton's viewpoint in the series (there's plenty of it in the book), I guess on TV, they needed something to make Margaret not swoon over him there and then because Richard Armitage.
ReplyDeleteDid you notice that it's basically a Victorian/industrial era Pride & Predjudice? Complete with a one-sided proposal that makes you wince because the heroine is having none of it, and the hero is so desperately in love with her! :)
Ah that makes sense! I do need to check out the book soon, but I'm afraid I don't like it as much as the miniseries because Richard Armitage as you say. :D
DeleteI did notice it is like P&P! Just Thornton is much more likable than Darcy in my opinion!
I loved this miniseries!! It was so well done :) - Maggie @ An American in France
ReplyDeleteTotally agree!! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI LOVE this miniseries so much! Netflix had recommended it to me for ages, and it wasn't until I saw Richard Armitage in another BBC TV series that I finally took notice of this. His performance is just outstanding; the train station scene has to be one of the most swoon-worthy moments in the history of costume dramas, lol.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad Netflix got you to watch it! I took notice of Richard because of this so I'm very grateful for that. Were you watching Robin Hood? I still need to watch that! The train scene is just ridiculous - I can't watch it and not blubber in happiness! :D
DeleteI first saw him when he guest starred in a comedy called The Vicar of Dibley. I ordered the North and South DVD the next day, and I also started watching Robin Hood, lol. I really enjoyed the Robin Hood series; Richard is smoldering as one of the bad guys!
DeleteOh yes The Vicar of Dibley! He was so ridiculously charming in that!! I understand why you became interested in him after that! Richard smoldering is good enough reason to watch Robin Hood already!
DeleteThis is such a wonderful adaptation - I do think it is a case of an adaptation that really improves on the source material. All of the leads are wonderful and it looks amazing. Huge thumbs up on this one. :)
ReplyDeleteI already agree though I haven't read the book! I'd be really surprised if I like the book more than this adaptation. :)
DeleteI struggled with the book, but , liked it more as it went along..the end is very different!
ReplyDeleteI think I will struggle with this in the beginning too, but it does take time to get into Classics in general sometimes so I hope I will feel the same as you!
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