denis888
I am Russian but yet I am a huge Civil War of 1861-1865 buff and thus I guess I have watched almost all films and serials on the topic. This 1985 serial based on John Jake's epic book is a must see as it is one of the deepest, best and heartfelt efforts in the genre - it shows excellent depth and admirable attitude to all the main characters who live their lives and face the terrible war. All of the main cast members are a very good choice, with Patrick Swayze and James Read being two greatest stars, but then how can we bypass Kirsty Allie or David Carradine, as well as Hol Holbrook or Johnny Cash/ Each episode is a treat to eyes, and the severity of antebellum as well as war-time America is shown with great candid eye and sober mind.
Highly recommended as well as the second Part of the saga, but think twice before ever approaching the third instalment as it is by far the worst.
paulaucla97
I saw this miniseries when it first came out and I was 10 years old. Both the lead actors are so handsome and wonderful in their roles. The girls are very good too. I really recommend this series for teaching about the human aspect of the civil war and that it's not so black and white because even though it seems one side was right, it doesn't mean the other side didn't also have some good in them. It's more of a romance than a historical epic, so be aware of that when watching. For good historical content, watch the Ken Burns series about the Civil War. Anyway, this series is romantic sort of like Gone With the Wind for the 80's generation. I'm so glad it's still available for new audiences to get as much joy out of it as I did.
capone666
North and SouthThe most beguiling aspect of Northern Americans fighting Southern Americans is that both sides had to attend the same Bob Hope USO show.Unfortunately, this mini-series doesn't depict any incidences from those prospective powder kegs.While on his way to West Point, Orry (Patrick Swayze), the offspring of a plantation owner, meets George (James Read), the heir to a steel dynasty, and they become fast friends.But when civil war breaks out, the pair must part ways: Orry becomes a Confederate officer, while George is military aide to Lincoln (Hal Holbrook).Meanwhile, both family fortunes are threatened: Orry's plantation from slave revolt, and George's company from his war-profiting sister-in-law.Bursting with made-for-TV pageantry, this star-studded adaptation of the literary trilogy strikes the perfect balance between historical events and soapy melodrama.And in the end, the North got what it wanted from the South: to turn their slaves into free taxpayers.Green Lightvidiotreviews.blogspot.com
Brenda
This is the best movie I have ever seen. It has it all tragedy and happiness love and hate. And a deep friendship that not even war can destroy.The most splendid casting I have ever seen. Patrick Swayze and James Read were top grade in this movie.If you see part 1 you will want to see it all. Some of my friends watched part of the movie at my home then went out and bought the movie.I am a civil war buff but this movie got my grandchildren interested in history. Any movie that can get children to learn history is great. I have Books I, II & III and when the girls come up from Florida each year they want to see North & South.