Pillars of the Earth (2010)

Pillars of the Earth (2010)

A sweeping romantic drama set against the tumultuous backdrop of 12th century England, Pillars of the Earth is a miniseries based on the best-selling novel of the same name by author Ken Follet. Pillars is revered for its grandiose and captivating cinematography as well as its extraordinary production value. With an all-star cast consisting of Donald Sutherland, Ian McShane, Rufus Sewell and Joanne Whalley, it tells the story of a nation on the brink of anarchy and how the fate of a small town can make a difference to the entire country. The underlying theme of religious struggles and the power of faith is communicated in a strong and convincing manner and succeeds in making the audience appreciate the complicated history of medieval Europe that preceded the modern world.

The miniseries follows the construction of a cathedral in the small town of Kingsbridge, where an ambitious and idealistic monk and a powerful and scheming bishop vie for the allegiance of the townsfolk and the beloved landowner Jack Jackson. Along the way, themes of loyalty, justice and ancient mysteries come together as the story slowly unveils the hallmarks of a masterful and narratively engaging foray into medieval Europe.

Epic Historical Epic

Pillars of the Earth was praised for its ability to tackle a challenging historical period with skill and its accurate depiction of the life during Medieval times. The sets, costumes, dialect and cinematography accurately portray the feel of the era and the characters are well-developed and captivating. The intense and intricate plot delivers twists and turns that kept viewers hooked as the series unfolded.

Cultural & Religious Overtones

The miniseries also explores the complex and often conflicting religious and cultural dynamics that permeate medieval Europe. The complexities of faith and religion take center stage in the narrative as priests, monks and kings clash over power and territory. In addition, the characters must also confront deep-seated conflicts between personal beliefs and the rapidly changing religious and cultural landscape. The central themes are cleverly presented and expressed in an easy to understand manner that allows viewers of all levels of religious study to appreciate the historical backdrop and stakes of the characters.

Memorable Characters

Pillars of the Earth also presents some truly unforgettable characters, due in large part to the stellar performances of its cast. Fans of historical drama were entranced by the performances of Donald Sutherland, Ian McShane, Rufus Sewell and Joanne Whalley, all of whom brought the characters to life in an unforgettable and powerful manner. The excellent performances are part of what made Pillars of the Earth one of the best medieval TV shows of all time.