So why do I love North and South?
Um, DUH.
Okay, why do I love North and South ASIDE from Richard Armitage?
The time period. It's no secret that I love almost anything historical. When I first watched North and South, I remember googling it because I had to know exactly what time in history it takes place (I had a pretty good guess based on the clothes).
Margaret Hale wears this fantabulous green dress at the end of the movie but I couldn't find a decent picture of it. Boo.
I love to compare what happens in this novel/movie to what else was going on in the world at the time. North and South was written (or maybe published?) in 1855 and takes place in a fictitious town in England (not to be confused with the miniseries North and South about the American civil war). It's about a family who moves from the idyllic countryside of Helston to the industrial town of Milton where the booming trade is cotton. It deals with rich and poor and the difference between the classes, the relationships between employers and workers, religion, and of course my favorite- ROMANCE.
But this isn't your normal romance. It can be compared to Pride and Prejudice in how Darcy and Elizabeth completely misunderstand each other until they come to know what makes the other person tick. The relationship between Mr. Thornton and Margaret Hale is very similar, except it's surrounded by a backdrop of a smoky town, a dangerous strike, and scandals galore. (Okay, maybe not galore, but there are a few.)
There are so many standout scenes in this movie, but a big fave of mine is when Mr. Thornton is at the window and says, "Look back, look back at me." *swoons, then dies*
I seriously just spent the last hour watching fan videos and it was very hard to pick, but I finally decided on this fan-made trailer, mostly because it contained the least amount of spoilers but still a few of the good parts.
Oh, goodness, I love, love, love North & South. That kiss at the end? My favorite on-screen kiss ever. There are so many good parts. And amazingly, the book is better than the movie. But, unlike most book/movies where the book is hugely better, with North & South, the book is only a little better because the movie is so dang good.
ReplyDeleteI love North & South so, so much! And my reasons have a lot to do with Richard Armitage too. :) My favourite scene is the train station at the end. I can't remember if I shared this link with you before, but it's the final scene with just the gorgeous music playing (no dialogue): http://youtu.be/ycCpSJcQJCM So swoonworthy!
ReplyDeleteOkay, wait. This is a movie? For some reason, I thought it was a series? I must be mistaken. If it's a movie, SIGN ME UP!! Could I get this from my local library? I'm wondering...
ReplyDeletei LOVE LOVE LOVE North and South. I own the series and pop it in when I'm in need of some romantic inspiration. And Richard Armitage is easy on the eyes.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh I LOVE NORTH AND SOUTH. I saw it on Netflix because I'd given good ratings to a lot of other period pieces, like Downton Abbey, so I gave it a shot last year sometime and I think I watched it 7 times in a week. I was completely Thornton obsessed. I love it when they show up at the same train station, and he gives her the flower he found by her old house. Love it.
ReplyDeleteThis one is in my DVD collection, but still somehow has the plastic wrap on it, so obviously I'm doing something wrong. Reading your post really makes me want to rewatch it!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure which part is my favorite, the part you mentioned, or the ending.