The Pillars Of The Earth

The Pillars of the Earth, a historical drama from the Starz network, is an eight-episode series. Released in 2010, it boasts an impressive, star-studded cast featuring celebrated actors like Ian McShane, Rufus Sewell, Matthew Macfadyen, Eddie Redmayne, Hayley Atwell, Sarah Parish, and Natalia Wörner. Based on the bestselling historical novel of the same name by Ken Follett, the storyline takes the audience on an enthralling journey through 12th century England, a country torn by conflict, power struggles, war, and the quest to construct a magnificent cathedral.

At the show's center are three main characters: Prior Philip (Matthew Macfadyen), a wise and devout monk; Tom Builder (Rufus Sewell), a competent mason with an unfulfilled dream of building a cathedral; and Aliena (Hayley Atwell), a determined noblewoman faced with adversity, fighting for her family’s honor and for love. Running in the shadows, facilitating and inhibiting the efforts of many, is Waleran Bigod (Ian McShane) – an ambitious bishop, who's manipulation and cunning take a pivotal role in the unfolding events.

The narrative is layered with historical detail and punctuated by political machinations, religious disagreements, power struggles, and an overarching theme of architectural marvel. The storyline skilfully incorporates historical events such as the Anarchy – a 19-year civil war, and the sinking of White Ship, using them as background to the personal stories of the characters, thereby providing a deeply immersive viewing experience that firmly puts the audience in the 12th century.

Throughout the series, the cathedral operates as more than just a physical place of worship. Instead, it symbolizes hope, unity, and resilience in the face of adversity to the characters and the world they inhabit. The audience sees the cathedral slowly come to life, much like the characters’ intertwined destinies, revealing that even during the middle ages, the human spirit could envisage remarkable feats of architecture in a bid for divine connection.

The series explores themes like religion, love, vengeance, power, ambition, corruption, and redemption, all against the backdrop of a dark and turbulent era. It delves deep into the complexities and intricacies of the human spirit, displaying how individuals cope with enmity, love, and personal fulfillment in testing times.

The Pillars Of The Earth stands out amongst historical dramas due to the exceptional performances by its lead actors and commendable supporting cast, along with a gripping narrative and an astounding portrayal of medieval architecture. Matthew Macfadyen as Prior Philip brings a beautiful mix of piety, wisdom, courage, and humility to his role, juxtaposing flawlessly with Ian McShane’s ruthlessly ambitious Bishop.

Rufus Sewell's Tom Builder is the quintessential everyman, juggling his dreams, responsibilities, and the tragedies that life throws at him. Hayley Atwell shines as Aliena, showcasing depth and persistence as she overcomes adversity in her quest for justice and love. Eddie Redmayne as Jack, the aspiring architect, presents an enigmatic mix of adolescent curiosity, creativity, and untamed spirit, blessing the cathedral project with a unique perspective.

The large-scale production design in The Pillars Of The Earth provides an authentic and detailed representation of 12th century England. The series' pictorial cinematography highlights spectacular shots of landscapes, painstakingly created sets, and intricate costumes, immersive to the point that you can almost feel the cold stone of the cathedral.

Ultimately, The Pillars of The Earth is a multifaceted saga capturing the soul of an era, taking us on a journey that's aesthetic, dramatic, and emotional. The series successfully blends drama, romance, and adventure with historical accuracy, showcasing the sheer resilience of the human spirit amid harsh circumstances. This, along with its ensemble cast delivering compelling performances, memorable character arcs, and a richly textured storyline, make this series a powerful and engaging watch.