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'.
Let the Right One In (Blu-Ray) (2008)
7.8/10
Director: Tomas Alfredson
Starring: Kare Hedebrant, Lina Leandersson, Per Ragnar, Henrik Dahl, Karin Bergquist, Pete...
12-year-old Oskar is a bit of a social misfit and the target for all the local bullies when someone new moves in next door. He is soon besotted by the... Read more
Letters From Iwo Jima (2006)
7.9/10
Director: Clint Eastwood
Starring: Ken Watanabe, Kazunari Ninomiya, Tsuyoshi Ihara, Ryo Kase, Shido Nakamura, Hiros...
Clint Eastwood's companion-piece to 'Flags of Our Fathers' recounts the same battle, only from the perspective of the Japanese. Iconic actor Ken Wata... Read more
Letters From Iwo Jima ( Blu-ray ) (2006)
7.9/10
Director: Clint Eastwood
Starring: Ken Watanabe, Hiroshi Watanabe, Kazunari Ninomiya, Tsuyoshi Ihara, Ryo Kase, Shi...
Clint Eastwood's companion-piece to 'Flags of Our Fathers' recounts the same battle, only from the perspective of the Japanese. Iconic actor Ken Watan... Read more
Lie With Me (2005)
5.4/10
Director: Clement Virgo
Starring: Lauren Lee Smith, Eric Balfour, Polly Shannon, Don Francks
Based on Tamara Faith Berger's erotic novel and telling the story of Leila (Lauren Lee Smith) and David (Eric Balfour) who shun middle class mediocrit... Read more
Life of Pi (2012)
7.9/10
Director: Ang Lee
Starring: Gerard Depardieu, Rafe Spall, Tabu , Irrfan Khan, Suraj Sharma, Adil Hussain
Based on the best-selling novel by Yann Martel, director Ang Lee's 'Life of Pi' is a visually stunning adventure story centering on Pi Patel, the prec... Read more
Life of Pi ( Blu-ray ) (2012)
7.9/10
Director: Ang Lee
Starring: Gerard Depardieu, Rafe Spall, Tabu , Irrfan Khan, Suraj Sharma, Adil Hussain
Based on the best-selling novel by Yann Martel, director Ang Lee's 'Life of Pi' is a visually stunning adventure story centering on Pi Patel, the prec... Read more
Life Show (2002)
Director: Huo Jianqi
Starring: Tao Hong, Tao Zeru
Adapted from the acclaimed novel by Chi Li, this affecting character study centres on Lai Shuang Yang a young, single woman living in revolutionary Ch... Read more
Lilith (1964)
7/10
Director: Robert Rossen
Starring: Warren Beatty, Jean Seberg, Peter Fonda, Kim Hunter, Gene Hackman, Jessica Walte...
A haunting psychological drama, adapted from J.R. Salamanca's controversial novel, about a young trainee therapist (Warren Beatty) whose love for a be... Read more
Lipstick (2006)
7.4/10
Director: Peter Werner
Starring: Sarah Chalke, Lally Cadeau, Patti Labelle, Jay Harrington, Robin Brule
Having recently graduated from journalism school and landed her dream job, the last thing 27-year-old Geralyn expects to hear is a breast cancer diagn... Read more
Little Children (2006)
7.5/10
Director: Todd Field
Starring: Kate Winslet, Patrick Wilson, Jennifer Connelly, Noah Emmerich, Gregg Edelman, J...
Based on Tom Perrota's novel, and adapted for the screen by himself and director Todd Field, this darkly wry drama of suburban malaise, judgement and... Read more