Before viewing this series, I first read the book by Ken Follett on which it is based. "Pillars of the Earth" is an epic tale set in the early 12th century, concerning the rebuilding of the cathedral in the mythical town of Kingsbridge. At this time, King Stephen is engaged in a bloody civil war with his cousin, the Empress Maud, for control of all England. This period has come to be known as the Anarchy, for allegiances switched overnight, and wealthy and powerful barons did as they pleased. Amid this backdrop, Tom Builder arrives in Kingsbridge, looking for work to support himself and his patched-together family. Under the aegis of his employer, Prior Philip, Tom begins the revitalization of the crumbling old cathedral, a decades-long project ultimately to be completed by his stepson, Jack Jackson. Of course, nothing on such a grand scale, especially in times as fraught as these, is ever straightforward or easily accomplished. And the ensuing adventures will keep you turning the pages. The book is a well-written tale full of wonderfully drawn characters, both sympathetic and not so, from all stations of medieval life. Some aspire, some conspire. Some love, some rape and pillage. Some lives are cut tragically short, while others endure amid the hardships of life in the Middle Ages. I'm happy to say that the 8-part miniseries presented on the three DVDs remains true to the book (almost 1,000 pages long) in most respects. The casting is superlative, the sets wonderfully real, the story just as lovingly told. Whether you read the book or not (and you won't regret doing so), I highly recommend spending a few evenings watching this entertaining adaptation.Read full review
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Ever wonder what life was like in the shadows of England's Dark Ages? Ever wonder how the glorious cathedrals (such as Wells in Somerset) were built so long ago? Watch "Pillars of the Earth" & find out! Filled with intrigue, plots & subplots that will have you waiting for the next chapter. Ian McShane, Donald Sutherland and a "younger" Eddie Redmayne make it work!
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The movie is pretty close to the book, although the character Alfred in the book was a bully. While in the movie, he's likable. Should have stayed with book's version!
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Folks, you will enjoy this series very much. Go ahead and purchase it. Cheers: Chuck.
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The acting, the story lines, the set and costume design are all really outstanding. I'll probably be watching it again and again!
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Excellent. .even better if you read the book
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Marvelous and very historically accurate tale of the building of a great cathedral and the town that grows around it!
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I watched this a few years ago, so I bought it for my brother while he was recovering from surgery. I had given him the book some time back. He thought there were a lot of differences, but I know that his wife enjoyed them.
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Great value, big fun. Wonderful historical meens.
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