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'.
Babylon A.D. Raw & Uncut (Blu-ray) (2008)
5.6/10
Director: Mathieu Kassovitz
Starring: Vin Diesel, Michelle Yeoh, Gerard Depardieu, Melanie Thierry, Charlotte Rampling...
Sci-fi actioner with Vin Diesel as an outcast desperate to get back home to the U.S.A. Russian mobster Gerard Depardieu provides him with an opportuni... Read more
Bad Blood (1981)
6.6/10
Director: Mike Newell
Starring: Carol Burns, Dennis Lill, Jack Thompson, Donna Akersten, Martyn Sanderson, Marsh...
Jack Thompson gives a heartfelt and extraordinarily compelling performance as Stan Graham, a tragic and notorious West Coast figure who was pushed ove... Read more
Ballad of Narayama (1958)
8/10
Director: Keisuke Kinoshita
Starring: Kinuyo Tanaka, Teiji Takahashi, Yuko Mochizuki, Danko Ichikawa, Keiko Ogasawara
Based on the novel by Shichiro Fukazawa, and recounting an ancient Japanese custom whereby, in times of hardship, the young inhabitants of a remote vi... Read more
Ballet Shoes (2007)
6.8/10
Director: Sandra Goldbacher
Starring: Emma Watson, Richard Griffiths, Victoria Wood, Emilia Fox
In 1930s London, three orphans (Emma Watson, Yasmin Paige and Lucy Boynton) are adopted by eccentric explorer Richard Griffiths and raised by his self... Read more
Band of Brothers: The Complete Miniseries (2001)
9.5/10
Starring: David Schwimmer, Dexter Fletcher, Ron Livingston, Colin Hanks, Damian Lewis, Don...
This 10-part HBO television miniseries focuses on Easy Company, a group of American soldiers in World War II, tracking their experiences from the begi... Read more
Band of Brothers: The Complete Miniseries ( Blu-ray ) (2001)
9.5/10
Starring: Kirk Acevedo, Eion Bailey, Michael Cudlitz, Dale Dye, Rick Gomez, Scott Grimes,...
This 10-part HBO television miniseries focuses on Easy Company, a group of American soldiers in World War II, tracking their experiences from the begi... Read more
Bande A Part (1964)
Director: Jean-Luc Godard
Starring: Anna Karina, Claude Brasseur, Sami Frey
A.k.a. 'The Outsiders', 'Band of Outsiders'. One of Godard's more relaxed and enjoyable films, this spins a fast and loose tale as Franz and Arthur, a... Read more
Barbara Taylor Bradford: A Woman Of Substance (1984)
Director: Don Sharp
Starring: Jenny Seagrove, Deborah Kerr, Barry Bostwick
Barbara Taylor Bradford's sweeping best-seller of ambition, love and deception comes to life in this acclaimed mini-series. Jenny Seagrove stars as Em... Read more
Barfly (1987)
7.3/10
Director: Barbet Schroeder
Starring: Alice Krige, Faye Dunaway, Mickey Rourke, Frank Stallone, J C Quinn
Mickey Rourke and Faye Dunaway are superb in this film, based on Charles Bukowski's writings, which offers insight into the world of the alcoholic, wh... Read more
Barry Lyndon (1975)
8.1/10
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Starring: Marisa Berenson, Patrick Magee, Ryan O'Neal, Hardy Kruger
How does an Irish lad without prospects become part of 18th-century English nobility? For Barry Lyndon (Ryan O'Neal) the answer is: any way he can! Hi... Read more