North and South, Book II

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.

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!

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!

NORTH AND SOUTH, BOOK II has to be one of the best TV mini-series ever made about the Civil War. Everything about it is epic, including the battle scenes and the scope of the story which uses the Civil War background in an interesting way. Many real-life personalities are woven into the story of love and friendship during the war--including HAL HOLBROOK, impressive as Abraham Lincoln, and LLOYD BRIDGES as Jefferson Davis.

Once again, the fortunes of the Hazzarads and the Mains is told in interesting vignettes that take shape as the story progresses through the start of the war until the end. Along the way, you'll recognize a lot of famous names, including KIRSTIE ALLEY, in one of her unlikeliest dramatic roles, OLIVIA DE HAVILLAND, David CARRADINE, LESLEY-ANNE DOWN, PARKER STEVENSON, PATRICK SWAYZE, LEE HORSLEY, JEAN SIMMONS and JAMES STEWART. Olivia de Havilland has told an amusing anecdote of how she only accepted the role of Mrs. Neal, the head nurse, when told that she tended to the wounded of both North and South--since the South had already only known her as Melanie, the flower of southern womanhood in GWTW.

Photographed in color, it's exceptionally well filmed with sets and costumes that are above reproach. Aside from the romantic angle, it presents an accurate picture of the Civil War era and is a sort of history lesson as well as a compelling drama.

Well worth viewing and every bit as impressive as Book I.

This "sequel" is in no way a let down to the first season. In these episodes, the battle is raging and friends become enemies.

Parker Stevenson gets on board and portrays the Billy Hazard character with much more intensity than his predecessor was able to. In the same moment, his film wife Brett (Genie Francis) gets better and better and suddenly develops unexpected power.

The best scenes are those when the old friends suddenly meet on the battlefield - splendid storytelling here!

I have to recommend these two mini-series as the best TV productions of all time - when you love epic stories about friendship, love and tragedy, watch this one!