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Ken Follett’s best-selling novel is brought to life in a star-studded and critically-acclaimed eight-part miniseries. Emerging from the war-torn shadows of England’s Dark Ages, an idealistic mason, Tom Builder (Rufus Sewell, The Holiday) sets out on a quest of erecting a glorious Cathedral bathed in light. But when that light threatens to illuminate the dark secrets of ambitious Bishop Waleran Bigod (Ian McShane, 2005 Golden Globe Best Actor, TV's Deadwood) and the battling progeny of King Henry, Queen Maud (Alison Pill, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World) and King Stephen (Tony Curran, Ondine), they’ll stop at nothing to keep those secrets safe. The epic miniseries event also stars Matthew MacFadyen (Frost/Nixon) as Prior Philip, Hayley Atwell (Love Hate) as the beautiful noblewoman Aliena and Donald Sutherland (TV's Dirty Sexy Money) as Bartholomew.Read full review
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
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I had read the book several years ago and was very excited to see it come to life on the screen. The acting was outstanding and I believe the characters were accurately portrayed, especially with a book of such huge content and then have it condensed into a few hours of movie time. I understand the second book in the series, "World Without End", is about to be filmed. I've read that one also and can't wait for the DVD. If you love history as I do, you can't go wrong purchasing this DVD set.
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!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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