Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #332 in DVD
• Released on: 2005-04-11
• Rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Formats: Box set, PAL, Widescreen
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 2
• Running time: 233 minutes

DVD Description
North and South is a powerful adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's feisty and passionate novel, set across the social divides in the changing world of Victorian industrial society. Margaret Hale is one of literature's most original heroines: a southerner from a country vicarage newly settled in the industrial northern town of Milton. In the shock of her move, she misjudges charismatic cotton mill-owner John Thornton, whose strength of purpose and passion are a match for her own pride and wilfulness. When the workers of Milton call a strike, Margaret takes their side, and the two are brought into deeper conflict. As events spiral out of control, Margaret - to her surprise - begins to fall in love with Thornton...

DVD Extras: Specially recorded interview with Richard Armitage, Commentary on Episodes 1 & 4 with Kate Bartlett, Brian Percival and Sandy Welch, Deleted Scenes & Production Notes

Synopsis
Adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's novel. Margaret Hale, a southerner, has newly moved to the industrial town of Milton. When the workers of a cotton mill strike, Margaret immediately takes their side, already displaying a strong dislike for the mill's owner, John Thornton. As the conflict between Margaret and Thornton intensifies, however, Margaret finds herself doing the unspeakable...falling in love.

Customer Reviews

Absolutely Gorgeous!
Beautiful, sensual, violent on the senses and serious. Additive, riveting and gorgeous. If you want a real period drama, this really is it. The acting is superb, the camera work beautiful and the scene when Richard Armitage stands at the window and says 'look back at me...' oh my. Viewers you are in for a real delight. A first class production. You will want to watch this all in one sitting!

The best of the best
An absolute gem of a romantic period drama - I agree with previous reviewers, this is better than even Pride & Prejuidice with Colin Firth which otherwise usually steals the show. Very beautiful and well done artistically, excellent acting and perfect adaptation which does not try to squeeze a whole book into just 2 hours but actually does it justice. I read the book after seeing this series and enjoyed it enormously, not least because it has some interesting differences which mean there are two equally good stories to follow and enjoy. Don't miss this one!

Wonderful, wonderful series!!!
What a fabulous series. I spent the 4 most amazing hours watching it. I did not want it to end!

The cast is unforgetable with Richard Armitage as the stern, proud but compelling John Thornton,(he's so darn gorgeous!) and the lovely Daniela Denby-Ashe as the headstrong and forthright but charming Margaret Hale.

There's many similarities between, this series and Pride and Prejudice but it stands out brilliantly.
It's about a woman, Margaret Hale, from the South who moves from her romantic, sleepy laidback village, with her family, to the North and whose life collides with that of an intemperate if misunderstood industrialist, the charismatic mill-owner, John Thornton, in a bustling, northern city of Milton.

Instantly she gets into a dispute with him over his harsh treatment of an employee.
What she doesn't notice is Thornton's deep sense of responsibility for his employees' welfare. On the other hand, he misinterprets some of Margaret's own actions and intentions. But he is instantly attracted to her, while she has only the deepest contempt for him.
Later, she refuses his offer of marriage, only to realise far too late the kind of man he really is. Hard and harsh he may be, but he's also a man of strength and intergrity but it seems he no longer feels the same way he did about her, after catching her in a compromising situation... but despite it all, he still protects her reputation.
And that's another tangled web to watch unravel.

Like in most period drama's, they both are stubborn and drag out their obvious attraction over many painful months and events, and I loved every bit of it.

This series rates right up there for me along with Pride and Prejudice, and Jane Eyre... perhaps ever higher. It's beautifully filmed and has some heart-wrenching moments that causes a tear or two.
I think John Thornton is the most romantic hero and he definitely beats Darcy, hands down. And I LIKE Darcy!
A definite keeper for me.