Review #15 | "North and South" (2004)

"North and South" is adapted from the original 1885 novel of the same name by Elizabeth Gaskell. Given the date of the source material, correlations between Jane Austen's main characters in "Pride and Prejudice" and Gaskell's main characters are relatively easy to draw. Perhaps the influence of Ms. Austen was still a sensation at during the late 19th century, but Gaskell's own work can stand alone among the sea of English period dramas. Controversy and political commentary provide fodder for romance and tension.

The 2004 BBC miniseries adaptation stars Daniela Denby-Ashe as the heroine Margaret Hale and Richard Armitage as the mill-owner John Thornton. Nowadays, Brendan Coyle (Nicholas Higgins) and Anna Maxwell Martin (Bessie Higgins) can be recognized most recently from "Downton Abbey" (the former) and "Death Comes to Pemberly" (the latter), respectively. Richard Armitage's portrayal of John Thornton is reminiscent of "Pride and Prejudice's" Mr.Darcy by way of menacing scowls, bad attitude, and contempt. Similarly, Daniela Denby-Ashe's portrayal of Margaret Hale evokes the outspoken Elizabeth Bennett. That is not to say that these characters are replicas of their infamous counterparts. The Industrial Revolution plays a large part not only in political commentary but also in the socioeconomic and psychological development of the players as well.

A lot of the conflict stems from the commentary of workers' rights unions and socioeconomics as opposed to romantic conflict. As the plot progresses so do the relationships the characters make. This kind of development speaks volumes and resonates in our modern society as well, making it easier to submerge and adapt to the story rather than be drawn in by the period elements. Given the historical events which drive the plot, this production must be labelled as a period drama, but the material and the format it has been presented gives way to varying degrees of interpretation and uses. "North and South" cleverly alludes to other topics such as history, economics, foreign policy, sociology, psychology, philosophy, feminism, and more, giving every viewer an angle to approach the production.

Definitely a series to watch and rewatch again - sure to find more layers and juicy details to satiate any analyst's critical appetite.

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"North and South" runs 235 minutes in 4 episodes.

Starring Richard Armitage and Daniela Denby-Ashe. Directed by Brian Percival.

This review is dedicated to my lovely aunt, Denise Grey.