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'.
Ring (1998)
8.2/10
Director: Hideo Nakata
Starring: Nanako Matsushima, Hiroyuki Sanada, Miki Nakatani
A creepy and engaging tale set in modern day Japan where a mysterious video tape is found that brings death to anyone who views it - one week later. A... Read more
Ring: The Spiral (1998)
6.3/10
Director: Joji Iida
Starring: Hiroyuki Sanada, Miki Nakatani, Hinako Saeki, Koichi Sato
This 1998 sequel, shot back to back with 'Ring', was originally screened as a double bill. It begins with Takayama's body being examined by his path... Read more
Ripley's Game (2002)
6.6/10
Director: Liliana Cavani
Starring: John Malkovich, Dougray Scott, Ray Winstone, Lena Headey, Chiara Caselli
Several years on from the version of his character presented in "The Talented Mr Ripley", Tom Ripley (John Malkovich) is discreetly living the life of... Read more
Rising Sun (1993)
6.2/10
Director: Philip Kaufman
Starring: Sean Connery, Wesley Snipes, Harvey Keitel
Michael Crichton's controversial best seller looks at the investigation of the murder of an American call-girl in the Los Angeles office of a major Ja... Read more
Road to Avonlea: Season 1 (1990)
Starring: Gema Zamprogna, Jackie Burroughs, Sarah Polley, Zachary Bennett, Lally Cadeau
The most expensive Canadian TV series of its time. Based on the popular works of Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery and in the tradition of 'Anne of... Read more
Robbery Under Arms (1985)
6.7/10
Director: Donald Crombie, Ken Hannam
Starring: Andy Anderson, Christopher Cummins, Jane Menelaus, Sam Neill, Liz Newman, Steven...
An adaptation of Rolf Bolderwood's 19th century outback adventure novel, Sam Neill stars as Captain Starlight, a gentleman rogue who pulls off one of... Read more
Robinson Crusoe (1997)
5.9/10
Director: Rod Hardy, George Miller (II)
Starring: Pierce Brosnan, James Frain, Ian Hart, Damian Lewis, Polly Walker, William Takak...
Pierce Brosnan stars as the title character in this made for television movie based on Daniel Defoe's classic novel. As the sole survivor of a shipwre... Read more
Robinson Crusoe on Mars (1964)
6.6/10
Director: Byron Haskin
Starring: Paul Mantee, Victor Lundin, Adam West
Genre master Byron Haskin ('War of the Worlds') filmed this loose adaptation of Crusoe's classic shipwreck story, and set it in space, where a lonely... Read more
Romance Collection: Made For Each Other (1939) / Meet John Doe (1941) / Penny Serenade (1941) / The Amazing Adventure (1936) / The Last Time I Saw Paris (1954)
Director: Alfred Zeisler, Frank Capra, George Stevens, John Cromwell, Richard Brooks
Starring: James Stewart, Carole Lombard, Barbara Stanwyck, Gary Cooper, Cary Grant, Irene...
This collection of classic romances includes: 'Made For Each Other' - Carole Lombard and James Stewart star in a classic comedy-drama about a young ma... Read more
Romulus, My Father (2007)
6.7/10
Director: Richard Roxburgh
Starring: Eric Bana, Franka Potente, Marton Csokas, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Russell Dykstra, Jac...
Eric Bana and Franka Potente star in this adaptation of Raimond Gaita's childhood memoir, relating the experience of his immigrant family's struggle f... Read more