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'.
Based on the director's comedic 1999 novel, 'The Waikikimukau Conspiracy', this grass-roots mockumentary focuses on a group of South Island Maori who... Read more
A wickedly delightful screwball comedy about how Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner take their divorce to the battlefield and the house comes off the... Read more
Based on the HG Wells novel, this film about a Martian invasion of the Earth is a superior sci-fi and won an Oscar for its special effects. It was or... Read more
Based on the HG Wells novel, this film about a Martian invasion of the Earth is a superior sci-fi and won an Oscar for its special effects. It was or... Read more
In this delightful family fantasy set in Scotland during World War II, 12-year-old Angus (Alex Etel) brings home an egg he finds on the beach and deci... Read more
In this delightful family fantasy set in Scotland during World War II, 12-year-old Angus (Alex Etel) brings home an egg he finds on the beach and deci... Read more
As unenthused as his class at having to teach the evils of facism, popular teacher Rainer Wagner attempts to make things more interesting with a hasti... Read more
A truly incredible love story based on Corinne Hofmann's autobiography about her journey to Kenya and her culture-shock romance with a Masai warrior.... Read more
Sidney Poitier and Michael Caine deliver powerhouse performances in this provocative thriller set in Apartheid South Africa, where racial tension is a... Read more
A beautiful, full-length, animated version of the classic children's book with extraordinary animation and voices supplied by some of England's leadin... Read more