The Pillars of the Earth (2010) – An Epic Tale of Power, Passion, and Faith
Title: The Pillars of the Earth
Genre: Historical Drama, Political Thriller
Format: Miniseries (8 episodes)
Based on: The novel by Ken Follett (1989)
Directed by: Sergio Mimica-Gezzan
Starring: Ian McShane, Rufus Sewell, Matthew Macfadyen, Eddie Redmayne, Hayley Atwell, Donald Sutherland
Original Release: July – August 2010
Produced by: Ridley Scott, Tony Scott
Overview
A sweeping historical saga set in 12th-century England, The Pillars of the Earth is a rich tapestry of ambition, betrayal, and resilience. Based on Ken Follett’s bestselling novel, the 2010 miniseries adapts the sprawling medieval story into a thrilling and emotional 8-part event. With stunning performances and high production values, it captures the brutal beauty of a time defined by war, religion, and the unshakable human spirit.
Plot Summary
Set against the backdrop of The Anarchy—a civil war for the English crown following the death of King Henry I—The Pillars of the Earth tells the story of the fictional town of Kingsbridge and its people as they strive to build a grand cathedral amid chaos.
At the center of the story is Tom Builder, a humble mason with dreams of creating something lasting. His fate intertwines with Prior Philip, a devout and idealistic monk seeking to bring spiritual reform to Kingsbridge; Ellen, a mysterious forest-dwelling woman with a secret; Jack, her brilliant but outcast son; and Aliena, a noblewoman wronged by political treachery who vows revenge and rebuilds her life from ruins.
Opposing them are figures of immense power: Waleran Bigod, a manipulative bishop, and William Hamleigh, a brutal nobleman hungry for dominance. As the cathedral rises stone by stone, so too does the clash between ambition, faith, and justice.
Main Characters
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Ian McShane as Waleran Bigod – A ruthless bishop who uses religion for political gain.
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Rufus Sewell as Tom Builder – A visionary craftsman committed to creating the greatest cathedral of his time.
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Matthew Macfadyen as Prior Philip – A pious monk fighting for morality amidst corruption.
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Eddie Redmayne as Jack Jackson – A gifted young builder and artist with a mysterious past.
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Hayley Atwell as Aliena – A noblewoman-turned-merchant whose resilience and intelligence define her arc.
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David Oakes as William Hamleigh – A cruel and insecure aristocrat bent on destruction.
Themes & Analysis
Power and Corruption:
The miniseries explores how power is wielded—both secular and religious—and how it can be corrupted by greed, fear, and ambition. The church, monarchy, and nobility all play strategic games, with innocent people often caught in the crossfire.
Faith and Architecture:
The building of the cathedral is both literal and symbolic. It represents human perseverance, devotion, and the idea that beauty and purpose can rise from destruction.
Feminine Strength and Survival:
Through characters like Aliena and Ellen, the story gives voice to strong, independent women in a time when they were often voiceless. Their roles are central to the survival and transformation of Kingsbridge.
Love and Betrayal:
From romantic passion to familial loyalty and political treachery, The Pillars of the Earth captures the full emotional spectrum of medieval life.
Production Value & Direction
Filmed in Hungary and Austria, the series boasts authentic medieval sets, lavish costumes, and cinematic direction. The attention to detail makes the 12th century come alive, while a dark, earthy color palette reinforces the series’ gritty realism.
Director Sergio Mimica-Gezzan (a frequent Steven Spielberg collaborator) crafts an engaging and visually arresting series that feels epic in scale but intimate in emotion.
The music by Trevor Morris adds depth to the storytelling with a haunting and immersive score.
Critical Reception
The miniseries was well-received by audiences and critics alike for its strong performances, faithfulness to the novel, and production quality. It earned several nominations, including Golden Globe nods for Best Miniseries and Best Actor (Ian McShane).
Why You Should Watch The Pillars of the Earth
If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, Vikings, or The Last Kingdom, but crave a deeper historical grounding, The Pillars of the Earth is a must-watch. It combines political intrigue, emotional drama, religious tension, and the age-old struggle between good and evil—all wrapped in a beautifully realized medieval world.
Whether you’re drawn to period dramas, architectural wonders, or complex character arcs, this series offers something compelling in every episode.
Final Verdict
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
A visually stunning and emotionally rich adaptation that brings Ken Follett’s masterwork to life. An engrossing ride through medieval politics, religion, and personal transformation.
