One of the best things about a staycation…
…is that you can catch up on movies you’ve been meaning to watch for a long time. Last Christmas, my sister bought us a copy of the BBC adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South. She’s a HUGE Pride and Prejudice fan like John and I are, and she has been after us for months to finally take the time to watch N&S.
What a treasure! I’ve read parts of the book, and now I’m going to have to read the whole thing. The clip below is from the end of the first of four episodes.
I wish I could tell you, Edith, how lonely I am, how cold
and harsh it is here. Everywhere there is conflict and
unkindness. I think God has forsaken this place.
I believe I’ve seen hell. And it’s white. It’s snow white.
Posted: June 29th, 2009 under Books, Movies.
Comments: 12
Comments
Comment from Anne Nichols
Time: July 1, 2009, 8:06 am
I’m so happy that you watched it! Now we can have N&S watching parties, just like our P&P parties. The proposal scene is, to me, more striking than the one in P&P (A&E). (Glad you don’t charge by the ampersand.) And his stalking through the streets afterward to that music – swoon! Now you know why I would not shut up about this film.
Comment from Lynne
Time: July 1, 2009, 6:42 pm
OMG, you finally commented here! I’m shocked! :-)
Comment from John
Time: July 4, 2009, 12:29 pm
I dunno. It’s awfully depressing. As magnificent as it is, I’m not sure it’s an occasion for a party–not like P&P, anyway.
But I’m still impressed, days later.
Comment from Anne Nichols
Time: July 6, 2009, 7:46 am
Ok…maybe not a party. But I really want to hear Lynne talk like Mrs. Thornton again. In fact, I might call her right now and ask her to do it!
Comment from Liz Kreger
Time: July 6, 2009, 2:21 pm
Okay, you got me convinced. Another movie I’m gonna have to search out. THEN I gotta find the time to watch it. Grrr.
Comment from Lynne
Time: July 6, 2009, 4:43 pm
I can mimic Lady Catherine MUCH better than Mrs. Thornton, having had much more practice. :-)
Comment from Lynne
Time: July 6, 2009, 4:45 pm
As John was saying, Liz, it’s a bit depressing in parts, but SO worth it. In many ways, I prefer Elizabeth Gaskell to Jane Austen (now I’ll be ducking flying shoes from Anne and John) because she deals more with working/middle class people and the very real dangers and struggles they faced during the 19th Century. I guess I’m a bit burned out on lords and ladies and quadrilles.
Anne got N&S via Netflix, so that might be one route to go, if you’re a member.
Comment from John
Time: July 6, 2009, 5:01 pm
Yes, Liz, N&S is as rewarding as it is exhausting. After the first hour, I was asking myself why I was still watching such a depressing miniseries..but I was more or less hooked. After the second hour, there was no way were were going to sleep that night. The ending is satisfying, and the screenplay, acting and visuals are tremendously well done.
It’s about perfect.
Comment from Anne Nichols
Time: July 7, 2009, 3:50 pm
Agreed – after the second episode, there is no way you could sleep. I love this miniseries. Brendan Coyle is wonderful in this. I saw him in Lark Rise to Candleford on PBS last night. Very good actor.
Comment from Caryn Caldwell
Time: July 8, 2009, 12:26 pm
I LOVE movies, and P&P is one of my favorites. Must go add N&S to my Netflix list. My mom read it and loved it, so she’s already been recommending it to me.
Comment from Lynne
Time: July 8, 2009, 4:18 pm
Brendan Coyle may be my favorite thing in the whole movie. He has a lot of presence.
Comment from Lynne
Time: July 8, 2009, 4:18 pm
Hi, Caryn! Thanks for stopping in! :-) If you love P&P, I just bet you’ll love N&S. It’s a great story.
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