North & South Episode #1.4 (2004) watch online HD

Have always had a lifelong love for period dramas and adaptations. There are disappointments out there, both as book adaptations and on their own terms (the latter of which for me has always been a fairer way to judge), but many masterpieces.

Elizabeth Gaskell's 'North & South' is a masterpiece and a beautiful and affecting love story. This four-part mini-series succeeds not only as an adaptation and very faithful but also on its own terms. The story here is still the beautiful, affecting and timeless story that made me love the book in the first place. And the dialogue is wonderfully written, every bit as eloquent, sophisticated and literate as that in the book, as well as insightful. This is apparent once again in this part where the storytelling is at its richest, most eventful and most emotionally powerful.

On its own terms, 'North & South' succeeds amazingly. A lot happens in this fourth and final part without feeling like there is too much going on. The pace is spot on with few rushed or draggy spots and no skimming over of pivotal scenes, and the length is just right. Plenty of time to flesh out the central relationship and explore with complexity the many different relationships 'North & South' has.

Production-values-wise, 'North & South' is flawless. The scenery is breathtaking without being too clean, the costumes are beautifully tailored and the photography is suitably elegant. The music is equally very good, with enough elegant and haunting motifs/themes to make it memorable.

The direction is always very assured, and the acting is pretty much outstanding with the characters written so well you do care for them and their situations. Daniela Denby-Ashe is a very poignant Margaret, and there are outstanding supporting turns from Tim Piggott-Smith and Lesley Manville.

Sinead Cusack is a standout in the supporting cast, relishing her beastly character. What made the mini-series for me was the superlative performance of Richard Amitage, who is very handsome and charismatic, has great delivery of his lines and manages to convey all sides of his complex character brilliantly.

All in all, stunning. 10/10 Bethany Cox