The Pillars of the Earth

Synopsis

The Pillars of the Earth is an epic eight-part TV miniseries based on Ken Follett's best-selling novel of the same name. Set against the backdrop of 12th-century England, the series centers around the construction of a grand cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge. The story weaves together a tapestry of intrigue, political machinations, and passionate romances. As the lives of several characters intersect, we witness the deep-seated struggle between good and evil, faith and ambition, and loyalty and treachery. With a stellar cast that includes Ian McShane, Matthew Macfadyen, Eddie Redmayne, and Robert Bathurst, The Pillars of the Earth brings to life a rich and tumultuous era marked by civil war, religious conflict, and architectural ambition.

Cast

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  Robert Bathurst

  Percy Hamleigh

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  Donald Sutherland

  Earl Bartholomew

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  Matthew Macfadyen

  Prior Phillip

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  Rufus Sewell

  Tom Builder

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  Ian McShane

  Waleran Bigod

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  Eddie Redmayne

  Jack Jackson

Reviews

The Pillars of the Earth has garnered generally favorable reviews from both critics and audiences. With an IMDb rating of 8.0/10, it is clear that the series has struck a chord with many viewers. Critics have praised the show for its ambitious scope and lush visuals, frequently noting the high production values and attention to historical detail. The New York Times lauded it as 'a visually striking and narratively complex series,' while The Guardian praised Ian McShane's performance, calling it 'mesmerizing and multifaceted.' Rotten Tomatoes reflects this appreciation, with an audience score of 84%, indicating widespread approval from viewers. However, not all reviews have been glowing. Some critics, like those from Metacritic, who gave it a score of 62/100, have pointed out pacing issues and occasional melodrama, suggesting that the series sometimes struggles under the weight of its epic source material. Despite such criticisms, The Pillars of the Earth remains a compelling and richly textured portrayal of a transformative period in history.