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'.
Lolita (1997)
6.9/10
Director: Adrian Lyne
Starring: Melanie Griffith, Jeremy Irons, Frank Langella, Dominique Swain
This lush, sardonic rendition of Vladimir Nabokov's novel is driven by Jeremy Iron's gripping performance as Humbert Humbert, the teacher whose obsess... Read more
Lolita (1961)
7.6/10
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Starring: James Mason, Peter Sellers, Shelley Winters, Sue Lyon
Director Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of Vladimir Nabokov's classic novel captures the author's black humour with ghoulish understatement. James Mason... Read more
Lonesome Dove: The Complete Miniseries (1989)
8.7/10
Director: Simon Wincer
Starring: Robert Duvall, Danny Glover, Anjelica Huston, Tommy Lee Jones, Robert Urich, Fre...
Hailed as a masterpiece by critics and audiences alike, 'Lonesome Dove' brings to life all the magnificent drama and romance of the West. Winner of se... Read more
Lord of the Flies (1990)
6.4/10
Director: Harry Hook
Starring: Balthazar Getty, Chris Furrh, Danuel Pipoly
William Golding's savage English schoolboys are re-invented as American Cadets in this modern take on his classic novel. Although not in the league of... Read more
Lord of the Flies (1963)
7/10
Director: Peter Brook
Starring: James Aubrey, Tom Chapin, Hugh Edwards, Roger Elwin
"Lord of the Flies" is famed theater director Peter Brook's daring translation of William Golding's brilliant novel. The story of thirty English sch... Read more
Lorna Doone (2000)
7.1/10
Director: Mike Barker, Anthony Calf
Starring: Anthony Calf, Martin Clunes, Richard Coyle, Barbara Flynn, Joanne Froggatt, Mart...
Witness to his father's murder by the Doones when he was just a child, John Ridd is hell-bent on revenge. But a chance meeting with a beautiful girl c... Read more
Lost in the Stars (1973)
6.6/10
Director: Daniel Mann
Starring: Brock Peters, Clifton Davis, Melba Moore, Raymond St Jacques
Kurt Weill and Maxwell Anderson's musical "Lost in the Stars" is based on Alan Paton's classic novel "Cry, The Beloved Country". This film, like the s... Read more
Love ( Szerelem ) (1971)
6/10
Director: Karoly Makk
Starring: Lili Darvas, Mari Torocsik
Based on two short stories by Hungarian author Tobor Dery, this film explores how individuals survive in the face of adversity and the absence of a lo... Read more
Love and Honour (2006)
7.8/10
Director: Yoji Yamada
Starring: Takuya Kimura, Nenji Kobayashi, Ken Ogata
The conclusion to Yoji Yamada's loose Samurai trilogy (following 'Twilight Samurai' and 'Hidden Blade'), focussing on the themes of the title, and a m... Read more
Love Comes Lately (2007)
5.7/10
Director: Jan Schutte
Starring: Otto Tausig, Tovah Feldshuh, Rhea Perlman, Barbara Hershey, Elizabeth Pena, Caro...
An elderly writer and unabashed lothario becomes lost in the romance and excitement of his own literary creations in this bittersweet comedy, vividly... Read more