The Pillars Of The Earth Volume 2

Based on Ken Follett's best-selling novel, The Pillars of The Earth Volume 2 is a lushly produced, star-filled historical drama that holds its own amongst the finest in period films and series. It compromises of episodes four to six of what was originally an eight-part television series.

Primarily centered in the turbulent time of 12th-century England, the events coincide with a period of great hardship, known as The Anarchy, following the sudden death of King Henry. The narrative revolves around the quest to build the finest gothic cathedral this world has ever seen, a monumental architectural tribute to God. However, in this world where religion and power intertwine, ambitions of spiritually driven building mingle with the harsher human qualities of greed, politics, and treachery.

At the center of the narrative is a philosophical monk, Philip (Matthew Macfadyen), whose dream is to build the cathedral, believing that it could bring the much-needed peace to the kingdom in a time of great turmoil. Philip's virtuous and honest character contrasts with the fragmented, riven world of the royal court, diocese politics, and greedy nobleman. Phillip is opposed by Bishop Waleran Bigod (Ian McShane), whose ambitions for power underlie a web of manipulation and deceit.

Another narrative strand within the series is that of Tom Builder (Rufus Sewell), a master mason who dreams of building a cathedral. He and his family's survival story raises moral and ethical dilemmas while significantly influencing the events related to the cathedral's construction. Tom's environment is portrayed in vivid detail, showing the audience the tremendous obstacles the lower social class had to deal with during that time, highlighting their everyday struggle for basic needs and personal fulfillment.

The third major character is a young noble named Jack Jackson (Eddie Redmayne), whose life becomes inextricably entangled in the construction of the cathedral, bringing a refreshingly youthful perspective to the bitter adult's world. Jack's journey involves love, grief, determination, and an incredible transformation, solidifying him as a pivotal character in the narrative.

What sets The Pillars of The Earth Volume 2 apart is the variety and depth the creators give to both its characters and storyline. The meticulously designed subplots allow each character to display their complexity, becoming junctions through which the audience gains insights into their motivations and struggles. These subplots intertwine seamlessly into the main narrative, aligning perfectly with the main theme of generating cohesion within chaos.

The second volume of The Pillars of The Earth does a commendable job maintaining the momentum built in the first part. The narrative continues to unravel, unafraid of delving into the grim realities of the era. Political machinations, power struggles, and conflicts arising from adherence to faith or the pursuit of ambition are at the heart of the narrative.

Furthermore, what makes The Pillars of The Earth Volume 2 a worthy watch is the exceptional performances by the lead actors. Ian McShane's portrayal of the formidable schemer, Bishop Waleran, is hauntingly alluring while Matthew Macfadyen as Prior Philip justly brings out the warmth and inner conflict of a man of faith caught in a ruthless world. Eddie Redmayne's performance as Jack Jackson beautifully showcases the innocence, perseverance, and transformation of his character.

The production value of The Pillars of The Earth Volume 2 is also a commendable achievement. The detailed sets, costumes, and ambiances genuinely transport the viewers to the 12th century, brimming with chaos, strife, and uncertainty. The camera work is clever, alternating between meticulously detailed close ups to wide sweeping shots of the magnificent landscapes. The soundtrack adds depth and drama to the narrative, thus ensuring the audience is emotionally invested in the journey.

In conclusion, The Pillars of The Earth Volume 2 is a compelling weave of stories filled with historical intrigue, political machinations, personal ambition, religious fervor, and human endeavors. It is an ambitious project that succeeds in crafting a rich and intricate tapestry of a world on the brink of monumental change - offering viewers not merely a history lesson, but a deep, thought-provoking cinematic experience. The second volume not only continues the narrative initiated in volume one but further enriches the viewing experience by taking the audience deeper into the complex world of the medieval period. It deserves to be enjoyed by lovers of historical drama as well as the followers of the original novel.