I recently watched on DVD a film titled North and South. Though we Americans might assume it to be a film related to the Civil War, it is instead based in the 1800s in England. The film is an adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell’s novel by the same title. The story tells of Margaret Hale and her family living in the rural South in England, and how they move to the more industrial Northern England, and are forced to adapt their thinking and ways to a new world.

The film, produced by BBC, takes place in a period where the cotton factories in England were beginning to come into prominence, although those who lived in the southern parts of England were less interested in such developments. In fact, there is some parallel to the same century and geographies in the United States, during which period industrialism and factory life were coming into prominence in the Northern U.S. in contrast to the plantations of the South.

The two main characters in the movie are Miss Hale (the daughter of a former clergyman) and an apparent nemesis, the well-to-do factory owner John Thornton. From early on, it is evident that the film is a story of love developing between the two in spite of early prejudices that divide them.

I also appreciated the special features, which include historical information and interviews of the lead actor. They helped to fill in much of the historical background behind the novel and its storyline. In addition, the cinematography was excellent, far better than earlier typical “Masterpiece Theatre”/BBC type productions wherein the camera seemingly left in one place on wide angle and the lighting, audio and production quality were stagnant and boring. Rather, this film was done with high-quality modern filming styles, on par with any Hollywood-produced film.

The one flaw, if it can be called that, was the somewhat out-of-place ending, during which the two lead characters finally are able to express their love for one another. It struck me as somewhat unrealistic in its depiction of a very public display of affection that seemed inconsistent with the manners and decorum of the day. However, this was but a small complaint about an otherwise excellent and enjoyable film.