Thursday, June 21, 2007

Movie Review- North and South...


A few weeks ago on Ladies Against Feminism, Lady Lydia shared her review of the movie "North and South". This is based on the novel of the same name by Elizabeth Gaskell, who also wrote the novel "Wives and Daughters" and it, too, was made into a movie.

Because I loved "Wives and Daughters" so much, when I found out about "North and South", I knew that I wanted to watch it.

Mr. U sweetly bought the movie for me and as soon as it arrived, we settled in to watch it. It's four hours long, so we watched it in two nights. The first night, I thought "Is THIS an Elizabeth Gaskell movie? Did we get the right one?" I wasn't immediately drawn into the movie like I was in "Wives and Daughters". But the second night, I understood what the first two hours were about. The first two hours of the movie were necessary to set the tone, to tell you about the background of the characters and the time period. I was VERY happy to know all the details which made the second half of the movie that much more captivating.

Most of the movies I love like "Pride and Prejudice", "Emma" or "Wives and Daughters" are set in the beautiful areas of England where lovely landscaped views abound. "North and South" offers a few beautiful views, but mostly it takes place in dark, grey, industrial England- a time that I thought was boring, dull and lifeless. I must say that Mrs. Gaskell did a fabulous job of presenting this period of England's history in a very interesting manner. I left the movie wanting to know more about what really happened during that time period.

I did love the story and don't want to give away any of the details. I must say, though, that I was a little shocked at Margaret Hale's (the main character) head strong and independent thinking and acting. I expected more of a demure character, but I suppose that even assertive women lived in that time period as well as today.

I do recommend this movie. My family and I all watched it together (well, okay, my 13 month old did not watch it with us) and we all enjoyed discussing the time period, the feminist leanings, the manners and customs, etc. when the movie was finished. I also always enjoy watching a movie that makes me want to be a little more ladylike when I'm finished watching it.

I would definitely watch this movie again and would love to hear from you if you've seen this and hear what you think about it.

9 comments:

Kelly @ Growing.Learning.Playing. said...

My mother keeps telling me that I need to see North and South. I also want to see Wives and Daughters again. Thanks for the review!

Susan P. said...

After reading the reviews on this movie from Homeliving Helper and on Brenda's blog I went ahead and put it on the reserve list at the library. Now I'm more anxious than ever for it to arrive!!

Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks said...

I picked this movie up from a hold at the library the day before my daughter and her family arrived for a two week visit.

We loved the movie so much that we both plan to (eventually) purchase it.

We felt the same way at the beginning of the movie since it is so different than most of the British Flicks we've watched. However, the more we watched it the more we knew it had to be one of the best we'd watched.

We decided to view it a second time while I had it from the library and this time, my husband watched it with us. He also enjoyed it very much. It's one of those rare films from British Literature that men and women can equally enjoy.

Bethanie said...

Just wanted to let you know that you won my give away.

Mrs. Anna T said...

I haven't seen it, but now I definitely want to!

Anne said...

I watched the movie about a month ago, and I really enjoyed it. To be honest, I thought (based on the title) it was going to be a Civil War movie/documentary, so I was a little confused at first, but then I got into the movie. I thought it was very good:o).

Anonymous said...

I just finished "Wives and Daughters" after a friend loaned it to me a YEAR ago! I'm so sorry I waited so long! I will be looking for this one next, thank you for your review!

Anonymous said...

My daughter and I watched North and South and Wives and Daughters. We are huge fans of these period movies. We would watch both of these again.

~~Deby said...

I just watched..Emma..had never seen it and Jane Eyere...loved them...now you have given me some more wholesome movies to enjoy as I embroider...thanks for the recommends...
Deby

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