Nord et sud II

Nothing I say here will be new, save for a few words on Lewis Smith I'll get to momentarily. I loved everything about Book I and Book II of the North and South saga. (As far as I'm concerned, Book III doesn't exist.) And although the series strays from the book in many ways, that shouldn't and doesn't matter when speaking of the series as a seperate and totally independent entity. It stands on its own and tells the story it wants to tell regardless of Cooper Main or any other plot lines ommitted. To include every single detail of John Jakes's novels would be utterly pointless and drag down the flow of a story in a medium that demands action and visual stimulation to keep its audience interested. Too much exposition is never good for a movie or a series. I for one, who DID enjoy the books just as much, applaud the directors and screenplay writers for NOT trying to parallel the text word for word.

As everyone has said, the acting in both parts was superb. James Read and Patrick Swayze yes, but also Leslie Anne Down, Wendy Kilbourne-Read (she and James really did get married in real life, isn't that cool?) Parker Stevenson (a drastic improvement from John Stockwell) Phillip Casnoff and David Carridine (whom we all love to hate) Terri Garber and Genie Francis. But I have to say I'm disappointed that more people here have not commented on Lewis Smith's portrayal of Charles Main in both books, who perhaps goes through just as much development of character as Orry, and Smith does it flawlessly. A great actor and a highly overlooked and underrated performance, Lewis Smith is simply awesome as Charles Main.

The story is about passion, love, romance, desire-yes. But more than that, it is about friendship. No other series, movie or tv show has ever displayed such a complex love story, love not only between lovers, but between friends, and no one should ever try. Rating North and South on a scale of 1 to 10, I give it a smashing 95!

Book One of this great mini-series ended on the brink of the Civil War, and now with Book Two, based on John Jakes' novel "Love & War", we are thrown dramatically into the unfolding of the proceedings.

The North and the South are greatly divided in this full scale war which is beautifully staged on the screen with some very tense battles of hatred and prejudice.

However, throughout all the warfare that is taking place we are taken on a further journey of the Pennsylvanian Hazard family and the South Carolina Main family. The story not only unfolds through the eyes of best friends, George & Orry but includes the trials and tribulations of other members of their families. We have a fine supporting cast once again, even though we have a couple of new players they appear to enhance their character's stories - Parker Stevenson as Billy Hazard and Mary Crosby as Isabell Hazard.

Book Two also features the great acting mimicry of Hal Holbrook as Abraham Lincoln, and also a big congratulations to the make-up department in aiding with his portrayal.

North & South: Book Two is a must-see and a must-buy for any Civil War enthusiast, as well as any fan of the Hazard and Main families. This mini-series must be regarded as one of the best TV sequels of all-time!

As a result of seeing this for the 1st time 2wks ago I had to order my own series. Now I'm waiting with intensity for it. Great portrayal of events happening during that time. They did not skate over the slavery issue. The relationship between families and friends was substained during horrible time. The girl who played Ashton was our own scarlet ohara. Casting great, a Patrick Swayze I have never seen before. He and Lesley Ann Down had a special chemistry that played off each other great. Every time I heard the music played as they met there was an intensity in it. Great period customs,the setting was great. David Carradine and Genie Francis,Reed, so many great actors and actress. Don't forget Kristie Alley, she gave a strong performance. Seen her in lighter roles, but here she was outstanding. One thing that I can appreciate also was a saying by the president that Orry Main repeated at his mom's funeral. It goes something like this. "With malice toward none", let us bind up the nations wounds,have charity for all....This is the kind of nation we need. We need one also, where we would forget about past hurts,because concentrating on them, keeps us in the past. This is a movie that makes you want to go on and achieve.

I learned a lot from watching North and South. There were some issues about Slavery which was brought up, that I had not known about. I absolutely adore Kirstie Alley! This was also the movie/mini-series that got me interested in Patrick Swayze. I had not known anything about him until that point. Patrick Swayze's character as "Orry Mane" not sure of spelling, was very believable. I also truly enjoyed Kirstie Alley's role. In my personal opinion, this was her best performance ever. You really should see it. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, make this a spectacular and believable movie. Make sure you have plenty of hankies ready. It will make you cry from sorrow, anger, and even cry out with joy!

Well, what can I say about the sequal to the best Civil War movie ever made. The same cast was there including a few new ones, and I happy to see old Bent get his in the end, and Ashton too. Although Bent did come back in the third movie. What was that about? This movie depicted a very accurate account of the events during the Civil War and shortly afterward. If you have seen the first movie, and then watch the second. It is not disappointing. Patrick Swayze and James Ried are at their absolute best. The cast and crew pulled off a second hit!