The Pillars of the Earth

  • Review Date: December 15, 2010
  • NR
  • Genre: Drama
  • 2010
Review

Common Sense Media says

Impressive medieval miniseries heaps on graphic violence.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that The Pillars of the Earth is a historical miniseries filled with graphic violence, including rape, murder, and torture. The series also features an incestuous sexual relationship, some sex, and partial nudity, as well as a generally dark and dreary tone.

  • Positive messages0
    Even though the bad guys ultimately get what's coming to them, the ruined lives, broken families, and large body count left in their wake doesn't leave a positive impression. Granted, the message may be realistic for the events and time period portrayed, but it's also disheartening and dreary. Plotting between various characters and factions, as well as instances of backstabbing and betrayal create a negative overall tone.
  • Positive role models0
    Several main characters provide positive role models, however, the numerous negative characters that populate the miniseries virtually obliterates this influence -- especialy when coupled with the intense documentation of violence on screen.
  • Violence5
    Nearly every kind of violent action possible before the invention of firearms, from self-flagellation and bloodletting by a priest to murder. Also: poisoning, intention to commit infanticide, burning at the stake, rape, throat cuttings, executions used as entertainment, arson, murderous plottings, violent thievery, torture, and copious amounts of splattering blood, sword fighting, and hand-to-hand combat.
  • Sex4
    Sex with partial nudity. An incestuous relationship between a mother and son. Close up views of venereal disease.  
  • Language1
    References to hell and God damning people -- all in a religious/historical context, as well as "bastard" children.
  • Consumerism0
    Not applicable.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking1
    Many mugs of mead are consumed in courtyard market scenes.
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What's the story?

Set in 12th century England, THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH is based on the novel of the same name by Ken Follett. This is a story of religious and royal power struggles, war, love, and the evolution of cathedral building. The story centers around Tom Builder, a stone mason, who loses his job working for William Hamleigh, and in short order loses his wife, leaves his baby son on her grave, meets a witch and her son, and finds refuge and work at the monastery in Kingsbridge where he begins work on a cathedral. From here, the story unfurls over many years, many families, and many locations, all connected. The miniseries riffs on actual historical events, included the civil war between Queen Maud and King Stephen.

 

Is it any good?

 

First and foremost, The Pillars of the Earth is incredibly and intimately violent. There aren't legions of nameless zombies mowed down by machine guns in this series. Instead, viewers are subjected to slow torture scenes, up-close images of venereal disease, and bloody battle scenes between beloved characters.

However, if you can stomach the violence, the intricate web of storytelling showcased in the series is impressive. Taking place over eight episodes, the miniseries packs in an impressive level of detail. History, especially the civil war between Queen Maud and King Stephen, is laid out in vivid, albeit violent, detail. The acting is nothing to sniff at either. The treacherous and absolutely evil Bishop Waleran (Ian McShane) is particularly affecting -- a character fans will absolutely love to hate. 

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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about portrayals of violence. Do you think this miniseries accurately portrays the violence of the time? Why do you think that the filmmakers chose to accentuate the violence by using techniques such as spattering the camera lens with blood?

  • How does the miniseries represent psychological violence? Is it portrayed differently than physical violence? How does the miniseries communicate these feelings?

  • How does the miniseries represent differences between classes? How does it compare to the way movies represent contemporary differences between classes?

This review was written by Elka Karl
Teen, 15 years old
March 4, 2011
AGE
14
 
If you're mature, you can handle it...
Love how you think because it's not a happy ending it is not a good thing. Since history is not happy endings. I'm reading the book, and quite disgusted at the amount of sex. My school ordered books for everyone, we got to choose off of a list. I saw it was about the 12th century and jumped on it. It's a good book, but WAY too much sex. I put 14 because mature 14 year olds can handle it.
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Parent
August 16, 2011
AGE
 
The historical context and the details about cathederal construction and structure is very interesting and informative. I highly recommend this book for it ability to keep the readers interest. It consistantly gives conflict and resolutions to keep you riveted to the story.
This book is not for anyone younger than 17. If it is read by those under 18 it should accompany guided discussions and before and after the sexual passages.
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Helped me decide (10) | Had useful details (9) | Read my mind (10)
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This review was written by Elka Karl
Studio:Sony Pictures
Director:Sergio Mimica-Gezzan
Cast:Eddie Redmayne, Ian McShane, Matthew Macfadyen
Genre:Drama
Run time:421 minutes
DVD release date:November 23, 2010
MPAA rating:NR
This review was written by Elka Karl
 

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ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
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