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79% of reviews have 5 stars
13% of reviews have 4 stars
5% of reviews have 3 stars
2% of reviews have 2 stars
2% of reviews have 1 stars
Top reviews from the United States
Jack Pine SavageReviewed in the United States on October 28, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars
Easy Download, Easy Access to Viewing, Great StoryVerified purchase
I purchased both volumes 1 and 2 of this great story which takes the reader back to the 1100s when cathedrals were built. Fascinating and well-executed video. Years ago, the book was on Oprah's Book Club list. I read the book, but found the video brought the characters to life.
Susan SundstromReviewed in the United States on April 9, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent seriesVerified purchase
I have watched it a few times. Very good portrayal of the time period and intriguing story.
Kindle CustomerReviewed in the United States on September 20, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars
This Is My #1 Favorite Book and the TV Series Is Also One of My Favorites!Verified purchase
There are 2 volumes that have the entire TV Series. Both are so well-done and follows the book pretty much. Acting is great; scenery is historically appropriate. A very good story. Other reviewers say it isn't as good as the book but that is always true. Books have room to be richer, more definitive, more in-depth, more room to develop the characters, more of a chance to capture your imagination. You can't expect a movie or TV series to be better than the book. In this case, it is good enough and compelling to watch.
One person found this helpful
hgpilot - MMReviewed in the United States on November 12, 2020
2.0 out of 5 stars
I'd give this a 1 star, but the book was too goodVerified purchase
First of all, Pillars of the Earth is one of my top 3 favorite books of all time (and I've read alot of books). In fact, Ken Follet's entire 4 part series is the most highly recommended books I've ever shared with anyone who would listen - Ken is an amazing writer. This series, however, was absolutely terrible and I'm surprised any super-fans of the book have given it so many 5 star ratings. To be fair, this is a L-O-N-G book and adapting it to a mini-series is a herculean task. But they added in things that just didn't happen in the book - strange things that added absolutely zero contributions to the screenplay and left anyone who'd actually read the book scratching their heads (I'd give specific examples but don't want to give anything away - but I will share one - the scene between William Hamley and his mother is just bizzare).
Normally if I don't like something I either don't rate it or give it a 3. My low rating is ironicly directed related to the fact that I love this book so much - it's because I desperately wanted to love this - and watch it over and over.
But even though I give this a 2, if you're a fan of the book, you should still watch this for yourself.
One person found this helpful
NanaBReviewed in the United States on September 17, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars
fabulous. Everyone should watch this seriesVerified purchase
The original author is a master at historical fiction that is detailed and deep. The cast was superb, and the writing excellent until the end, when editing was wonky.
lolly67Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars
Highly recommendedVerified purchase
Have read the series more than once and still loved the movie adaptations.
Cre8tvegrlReviewed in the United States on November 25, 2013
5.0 out of 5 stars
Pillars of the Earth - A Miniseries True Enough to the NovelVerified purchase
When I first picked up Ken Follett's novel, "The Pillars of the Earth", I have to admit I wasn't sure it was in a vein I would find interesting. At the time, I was soul-searching through several feminist theory books and another long novel, "The Memoirs of Cleopatra", by Margaret George. But much to my surprise, I found Pillars- to be a quick and excellent read, particularly, when juxtaposed against the feminist literature I was inhaling. There was romance of all sorts, mystery and intrigue, believable politics, and lots of swordplay, fist fights, and emotion. I wondered if the miniseries would represent the novel (that I loved so much) with as great attention to detail as Follett, and after watching the series, I haven't been disappointed. I found the miniseries to be a good fit to the novel. While there weren't many big names in the cast, the acting was great. The soundtrack was emotive and entertaining, albeit not an award winner. I typically rent movies or watch them online, but this is one that I wouldn't mind owning.
One person found this helpful
Jon C. HalterReviewed in the United States on February 7, 2015
3.0 out of 5 stars
Bizarre plot changesVerified purchase
With the time
restraints inherent in the miniseries format, some liberties had to be taken with the plot. Unfortunately, what began as a fairly good dramatization of the book in Part I runs out of steam rather rapidly in Part II. This is particularly true toward the end, where the writers went off on a crazy tangent and invented a whole new story. Small example: William's mother doesn't die suddenly in agony, but instead is strangled by William (who apparently was sick and tired of her creepiness). Waleran
Bigod isn't just disgraced and cast into poverty, as in the book, but falls off the roof of the cathedral, pursued by a mob. And the White Ship didn't just sink with everyone aboard, but Prince William escaped in a lifeboat, where he was murdered and thrown overboard by conspirators. Also, and understandably, the entire storyline of Archbishop Thomas Becket was left out due to time constraints.
The collapse of the cathedral roof is dramatically and realistically recreated.
Finally, why do
the producers insists on nude simulated sex scenes? These do nothing to advance or elaborate on the plot but make it very uncomfortable to watch with a family.
4 people found this helpful
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