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'.
The Intruder ( aka L'Intrus ) (2004)
7.8/10
Director: Claire Denis
Starring: Michel Subor, Gregoire Colin, Florence Loiret-Caille, Bambou , Katia Golubeva
Based on the short story by philosopher Jean-Luc Nancy, acclaimed director Claire Denis' visual exploration into the world of second chances and aband... Read more
The Invasion (2007)
5.9/10
Director: Oliver Hirschbiegel
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Jeremy Northam, Jackson Bond, Jeffrey Wright, Veron...
Following the crash of a space shuttle, an unearthly discovery in the wreckage leads to the spread of a mysterious virus that makes the infected stran... Read more
The Invisible Man (1933)
7.7/10
Director: James Whale
Starring: Claude Rains, Gloria Stuart, Una O'Connor
A super version of HG Wells' fantasy, with Claude Rains playing the scientist who experiments with a drug which, while it makes him invisible, also tu... Read more
The Irish R.M.: Series 1 (1983)
8/10
Starring: Peter Bowles, Brian Murray, Anna Manahan, Brendan Conroy, Lise Ann McLaughlin, N...
Major Sinclair Yeates (Peter Bowles) resigns his commission in the army to become the local magistrate in turn-of-the-century County Kildare in Wester... Read more
The Island (1980)
5.3/10
Director: Michael Ritchie
Starring: Michael Caine, David Warner, Angela Punch McGregor, Frank Middlemass
Based on the novel by "Jaws" author Peter Benchley, this action-packed, high-seas adventure stars Michael Caine, who plays a British reporter investig... Read more
The Jewel in the Crown (1984)
8.5/10
Director: Christopher Morahan, Jim O'Brien
Starring: Tim Pigott-Smith, Susan Woolridge, Art Malik, Geraldine James, Charles Dance, Pe...
"The Jewel in the Crown" is the internationally acclaimed series that captures the turbulence, the passion and the drama of the waning years of Britis... Read more
The Joy Luck Club (1993)
7.6/10
Director: Wayne Wang
Starring: Kieu Chinh, Tsai Chin, France Nuyen, Lisa Lu
Amy Tan's sensational bestseller receives first rate treatment from director Wayne Wang as he explores the turbulent lives of four uncompromising Chin... Read more
The Jungle Book (Disney) (1967)
7.4/10
Director: Wolfgang Reitherman
Starring: Sebastian Cabot, Voices Of, Louis Prima
A bright and tuneful Disney animated feature. This update of the Kipling tale pairs some fine comic voices with memorably drawn characters. The advent... Read more
The Key (1958)
6.7/10
Director: Carol Reed
Starring: William Holden, Sophia Loren, Trevor Howard
William Holden and Sophia Loren star in this classic wartime story directed by Carol Reed. After a series of unhappy relationships, Stella has develop... Read more
The Kite Runner (2007)
7.6/10
Director: Marc Forster
Starring: Khalid Abdalla, Homayoun Ershadi, Shaun Toub, Atossa Leoni, Said Taghmaoui
Director Marc Forster's adaptation of Khaled Hosseini's bestseller about one man's search for redemption following a childhood betrayal in his native... Read more