The Pillars of the Earth

It's airing on Starz right now in the US.

It's based off of a best-selling book by the same title by Ken Follet about the building of a Cathedral in 12th Century. The book itself was excellent, and the series is shaping out to be very good. It is produced by Ridley Scott, but the fact that Ridley Scott has to be kept within the confines of a story, and the fact that Follet's story is very thoroughly researched especially for a piece of historical fiction, means that we get the best out of him without all the stuff that made us cringe in movies like Kingdom of Heaven and Robin Hood.

Is anyone else watching? If anyone is interesting, I think you should definitely be getting on this.

I am indeed watching and enjoying so far. Even my girlfriend is into the show. Although you can totally see the influence of other cable shows such as Rome and The Tudors. I'll admit I've never read the book so this is all I can judge it upon.

Aye, but I'm glad it doesn't go as far as they did with explicit sex scene or gratuitous violence.

It's awesome.

Originally Posted by Darth Ravenous

It's awesome.

I second this.

I bought the book a few days ago ( should have bought it years ago though...), and im really enjoying it.

Can't wait till the show gets aired on swedish television, sadly that might take a few years...

I could record them in you wanna see it.

I love it. Never read the book but I got hooked since the first episode. It's got me playing M2TW again after not having played it in over a year. Starz is really pumping out high quality shows. Now I hear they have something on King Arthur coming out next year or so.

Damn! I was JUST abouy to make a thread about this. But I was going to focus on the book.....which I've never read. Would anyone recommend it? urghhhh...I just don't know if I could commit to another 1,000+ page book!

Do it and you won't regret it.

I've read the lengthy plot synopsis on wiki and it doesn't exactly sound very enthralling but the book is seemingly recommended by everyone....

Originally Posted by Duke

I've read the lengthy plot synopsis on wiki and it doesn't exactly sound very enthralling but the book is seemingly recommended by everyone....

Oh it is enthralling. Like you I read some of plot summary and wondered what the big deal was. In my historical fiction reading I've favored the Bernard Cornwall type action novels. But then I read the book anyway. The characters and setting are so compelling, and the story of what these people go through is heart breaking and uplifting you will want the book to never end.

I am probably the most prolific fiction reader on this forum, and it is one of the best books I've ever read. It is an absolute must read.

Pillars of the Earth and World without end are 1000+pages but you get by them effortlessly, they're really good books specially Pillars.

Originally Posted by Louis Lux

Pillars of the Earth and World without end are 1000+pages but you get by them effortlessly, they're really good books specially Pillars.

Indeed, I read Pillars in a day.

Mainly because I had to write a report on its portrayal of Cathedral architecture the next day, lol.

The show is alright. The acting is almost embarrassing, and the majority of the likable characters are anything but. It also seems as though they're trying to cram too much story into a single episode, which leaves a very odd pace.

I'm rapt to see Ian McShane again, despite his very limited role. That man can carry an entire series.

I can't like Jack (though by now I am) since the actor that plays him looks weird.

Originally Posted by Stavroforos

I can't like Jack (though by now I am) since the actor that plays him looks weird.

I know, right? Definitely has a creep-vibe to him.

Originally Posted by Heisenberg

I know, right? Definitely has a creep-vibe to him.

Aye. Though at the same time, I'd have to disagree with you about the acting from the rest of the characters. I don't think the people playing King Stephan and Maude are very good, and the person who plays Richard could perhaps be better, but at the same the character is supposed to be naive and careless from what I recall, so perhaps it works out.

I agree that a lot is being crammed, but that can't be avoided really.