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'.
Dragon Chronicles: The Maidens of Heavenly Mountains (1994)
Director: Wing Keung Chien
Starring: Brigitte Lin, Gong Li, Man Cheung, Norman Chu
AKA: 'The Immortals'. This big budget wu shu spectacular was slated on its original release, and though the plot, based on a complex novel, is somewh... Read more
Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story (1993)
7/10
Director: Rob Cohen
Starring: Lauren Holly, Jason Scott Lee, Robert Wagner, Nancy Kwan
This well-done biography of the martial arts hero who died mysteriously at 33 examines his brief but spectacular career, along with his personal and p... Read more
Duma (2005)
7.3/10
Director: Carroll Ballard
Starring: Campbell Scott, Hope Davis, Alex Michaletos
Carroll Ballard, ('The Black Stallion', 'Never Cry Wolf'), directs the true story of Xan (Alexander Michaletos), a boy living with his parents (Campbe... Read more
Dune (Special Edition) (1984)
6.6/10
Director: David Lynch
Starring: Brad Dourif, Francesca Annis, Kyle MacLachlan, Max von Sydow, Sting
A monumental film by the director of 'Eraserhead' featuring Kyle MacLachlan, Sting and Max Von Sydow. The saga of an intergalactic warrior and his ris... Read more
Dunkirk (1958)
7/10
Director: Leslie Norman
Starring: Richard Attenborough, Bernard Lee, John Mills, Robert Urquhart, Meredith Edwards
This realistic account of the evacuation of more than 350, 000 trapped British and Allied troops from Dunkirk is a well-staged recreation of the actua... Read more
Echoes in the Darkness (1987)
7.2/10
Director: Glenn Jordan
Starring: Peter Coyote, Stockard Channing, Peter Boyle, Gary Cole, Zeljko Ivanek, Alex Hyd...
A gripping true story which begins in 1979 with the discovery of a naked battered body. This is the story of the investigation of the murder of a Phil... Read more
Edens Lost (1988)
7.8/10
Director: Neil Armford
Starring: Julia Blake, Linda Cropper, Arthur Dignam, Victoria Longley, Bruce Hughes
Adapted from Sumner Locke Elliott's celebrated novel and set in 1930s Australia, this tells the story of Angus Weekes, a 17 year old orphan growing up... Read more
Edward and Mrs Simpson: The Complete Series (1978)
Director: Waris Hussein
Starring: Edward Fox, Cynthia Harris, Marius Goring, Peggy Ashcroft
On the evening of December 11, 1936, England's King Edward VIII formally broadcast his farewell to a nation. Torn between duty and love, he had decide... Read more
El Dorado (1966)
7.6/10
Director: Howard Hawks
Starring: James Caan, John Wayne, Paul Fix, Robert Mitchum, Edward Asner, Michelle Carey,...
Howard Hawks successfully reworks his "Rio Bravo" with John Wayne as a gunslinger who returns to El Dorado, which he visited a year before and found a... Read more
Elephant Walk (1953)
6.4/10
Director: William Dieterle
Starring: Peter Finch, Elizabeth Taylor, Dana Andrews
This action-packed romantic drama stars Elizabeth Taylor as the ravishing bride of plantation owner Peter Finch who battles the elements and her love... Read more