North and South (BBC)

taken from 4.bp.blogspot.com

I know that the first ten minutes of this movie are difficult to stomach—I personally blew it off after seeing the ridiculous, happy-town, shallow introduction.  Luckily, after a few months, I returned, hacked a few more minutes, and found a fabulous mini-series.  Yes, this technically isn't a movie, but running for only four, one hour long  episodes, I can watch North and South in one day.  I love this story.  Maybe because it's a mysterious, under-dog drama or perhaps because Margaret Hale is so relatable or maybe because she and Mr. Thornton's relationship is so excruciating to watch, this show is fantastic.  I admit, Mr. Thornton looks like an evil vampire-man at first, but as the story goes on us ladies will melt (especially when you realize he's Thorin Oakenshield!).  Is this a movie for guys?  Well, it's a historical drama with plenty of grim reality and minimal romantic gush.  You'll survive.  However, most of everyone out there will probably find this a very dull show.  Understandable.  But, just like in Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel, I live for the last five minutes, and if you know what I'm talking about, you'll adore North and South.