Review of North & South

If you have seen the 2004 version it's pretty impossible not to compare the two, initially. I was very pleasantly surprised to find this version very good in it's own right. Patrick Stewart plays a more emotional, warmer, and sincere character, with a real passion for learning and applying his lessons to real life. Margaret in this version is also very good. She expresses with subtlety her innate pride and snobbery, but without malice or cruelty. She simply seems not to understand another way of behaving, until she comes to know the northerners she is forced to live with. I could better understand this character and her actions. The supporting characters were also very well done, all of them, a although played differently in this version. The understated musical score is touching, and very sweet, I found it a little mournful. But you have to pay attention, it is not swelling and intrusive. I think the 2004 version is magnificent. This version is excellent also. Highly recommended.