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 Legend of Zorro (2005)
5.9/10
Director: Martin Campbell
Starring: Antonio Banderas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Rufus Sewell
In this swashbuckling sequel to 1998's 'Mask of Zorro', Don Alejandro (Antonio Banderas) has settled down peacefully with Elena (Catherine Zeta-Jones)... Read more
The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe (1979)
6.9/10
Director: Bill Melendez
An (animated) adventure filled tale by C. S. Lewis about two brothers and two sisters who cross through an enchanted wardrobe closet into the magical... Read more
The Little Traitor (2007)
7/10
Director: Lynn Roth
Starring: Alfred Molina, Ido Port, Theodore Bikel, Rami Heuberger, Gilya Stern
1947, and Palestine is on the brink of becoming the independent state of Israel. Still occupied by the British, tensions run high between the occupyin... Read more
The Lodger (Blu-ray) (1927)
7.6/10
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Starring: Marie Ault, Ivor Novello
2012 restoration. Aesthetically influenced by German Expressionism, and based on the story of Jack the Ripper, 'The Lodger' was the film in which Hitc... Read more
The Lodger / Downhill (1927)
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Starring: Marie Ault, Ivor Novello
Aesthetically influenced by German Expressionism, and based on the story of Jack the Ripper, 'The Lodger' was the film in which Hitchcock first demons... Read more
The Lonely Guy (1983)
6.2/10
Director: Arthur Hiller
Starring: Charles Grodin, Judith Ivey, Steve Martin
Steve Martin is shy guy Larry Hubbard who suddenly finds himself back on the singles market in New York. Charles Grodin is his geeky pal in the same... Read more
The Lord Of The Rings (1978)
6.2/10
Director: Ralph Bakshi
Starring: William Squire, John Hurt, Christopher Guard
J. R. R. Tolkien's classic tale of Middle- Earth comes to life through the imaginative art of animator Ralph Bakshi. Frodo the hobbit, Gandalf the wiz... Read more
The Lord Of The Rings ( Blu-ray ) (1978)
6.2/10
Director: Ralph Bakshi
Starring: Christopher Guard, John Hurt, William Squire
A young Hobbit named Frodo is thrown on an amazing adventure, when he is appointed the job of destroying the one ring which was created by the dark lo... Read more
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
8.8/10
Director: Peter Jackson
Starring: Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Ian Holm, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Cate Blanchett,...
In the first installment of director Peter Jackson's ambitious and successful film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy trilogy, Elijah Wood stars a... Read more
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring - Extended Edition (2001)
6.2/10
Director: Peter Jackson
Starring: Andy Serkis, Orlando Bloom, Dominic Monaghan, Billy Boyd, Viggo Mortensen, Sean...
This Special Extended Edition is a unique version of the film. With no constraints on the running time, director Peter Jackson added more character de... Read more