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 Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (2005)
6.9/10
Director: Andrew Adamson
Starring: Tilda Swinton, Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, William Moseley, Anna Popplewell,...
Four London children, sent from London to live in a reclusive professor's countryside estate during World War II, discover a mysterious wardrobe in th... Read more
Kes (1969)
7.9/10
Director: Ken Loach
Starring: David Bradley, Lynne Perrie, Freddie Fletcher
A charming, caring chronicle of the boyhood experiences of Billy, a Northern England miner's son who finds an injured Kestrel and nurses it back to he... Read more