Based on...
Books and films are two closely-related forms of art and entertainment. Since the science of film was first established in the late 1800s filmmakers have been using it to tell stories, and they soon began utilising the existing narratives and characters of novels. These films have succeeded (or not) to varying degrees in the transition, some accurately portraying the writer's intention, some building on it and some disappointing the original readers. No matter how well the adaptation is done however, it is still nice to be reminded that yes, happily, there is more to read than Harry Potter.
For screen translations of Charles Dickens, Agatha Christie, Stephen King and many other notable authors click their links under this category, left. For adaptations of plays and Shakespeare, use the 'Alice's Playhouse' link.
Right: Kubrick's adaptation of Thackeray's novel 'Barry Lyndon'.
Brideshead Revisited ( Blu-ray ) (2008)
6.7/10
Director: Julian Jarrold
Starring: Emma Thompson, Greta Scacchi, Michael Gambon, Patrick Malahide, Hayley Atwell, J...
A fresh take on Evelyn Waugh's classic novel, substantially trimmed down compared to the 11-hour BBC series from 1981, but successfully distilling the... Read more
Bridge to Terabithia (2007)
7.2/10
Director: Gabor Csupo
Starring: Josh Hutcherson, AnnaSophia Robb, Zooey Deschanel, Robert Patrick, Bailee Madiso...
An elaborate and faithful adaptation of Katherine Paterson's beloved book about two children, rejected by their peers, who find friendship and an outl... Read more
Brokeback Mountain (2005)
7.7/10
Director: Ang Lee
Starring: Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Williams, Anne Hathaway, Linda Cardellin...
Ang Lee's Oscar-winning gay cowboy story successfully challenges the stereotypes of one of Hollywood's most beloved genres, the Western. Emotionally... Read more
Brush With Fate (2003)
6.3/10
Director: Brent Shields
Starring: Glenn Close, Ellen Burstyn, Thomas Gibson, Kelly Macdonald
Susan Vreeland's novel 'The Girl in Hyacinth Blue' was the source for this made-for-TV drama. Utilizing a complex flashback-within-flashback structure... Read more
Buffalo Girls (1995)
6.8/10
Director: Rod Hardy
Starring: Anjelica Huston, Melanie Griffith, Gabriel Byrne, Peter Coyote, Jack Palance, Re...
Revolves around the lifelong friendship of frontierswoman Calamity Jane (Anjelica Huston) and madame Dora Du Fresne (Melanie Griffith) in the period b... Read more
Bunny Lake is Missing (1965)
7.3/10
Director: Otto Preminger
Starring: Keir Dullea, Laurence Olivier, Noel Coward, Martita Hunt, Carol Lynley, The Zomb...
Director Otto Preminger's unusual psychological thriller stars Carol Lynley as an American woman living in London who drops her young daughter off at... Read more
By Jeeves (2001)
7.6/10
Director: Alan Ayckbourn
Starring: Martin Jarvis, John Scherer, Donna Lynne Champlin, James Kall, Ian Knauer, Emily...
A musical comedy based on the characters of P.G. Wodehouse, written and directed by Alan Ayckbourn and featuring the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. The... Read more
By The Light Of The Silvery Moon (1952)
7.1/10
Director: David Butler
Starring: Doris Day, Gordon MacRae, Leon Ames
Doris Day and Gordon MacRae reunite for this sequel to 'On Moonlight Bay', which sees the continuing adventures of the Winfield family after Doris' be... Read more
Cadfael: Series 1 (1994)
8.2/10
Director: Graham Theakston
Starring: Derek Jacobi, Sean Pertwee, Michael Culver, Julian Firth
Acclaimed actor Sir Derek Jacobi stars as Brother Cadfael, a former soldier, sailor and crusader who is now set on a path to God. Ahead of his time,... Read more
Cadfael: Series 2 (1995)
8.2/10
Director: Herbert Wise, Malcolm Mowbray
Starring: Derek Jacobi, Julian Firth, Sean Pertwee, Michael Culver
Brother Cadfael returns with three more intriguing mysteries. 'The Virgin on Ice' finds Cadfael rushing to the rescue of a nun, a young noble and his... Read more