I've been watching a mini-series via Netflix Instant view called The Pillars of the Earth, based on a novel by Ken Follett.

Here's the Netflix description:

"Political conflict, grand passions and epic ambition fuel this sweeping miniseries set in 12th-century England that centers on the struggles of Prior Philip (Matthew Macfadyen), who's devoted to seeing the construction of Kingsbridge Cathedral. At the same time, civil war is roiling Britain as the result of a struggle for succession among King Henry's heirs, with the outcome of history hinging on a portentous secret. Ian McShane also stars."

The cathedral they're building is one of those giant ones we see in England and Europe, making a nice centerpiece for all the wars and murders and evil greedy clergy.

I don't usually like this kind of flick with all the spurting blood and inadequate warmth in the winter, but it's so compelling, a fine story brought to the screen in a fine manner, and the acting was excellent. Well of course I know that Donald Sutherland wasn't a king in the 1100s, but in fact, I forgot it was acting, just enjoyed the story.

There are eight episodes and no commercials or waiting for next week to find out what happens next. I stayed up until 2 am one night because the end of each episode made me want to know what happened next.

It was never a tear jerker, which I admire in a film, because I'm kind of a sucker for cheap sentimentality, so I doubt the motives of any story that makes this ploy to give the impression that it's 'a moving story.'

And it has a happy ending, nothing better than a well-told story with a happy ending.