Movie Reviews Net

Yes, of course — the book is almost always better than the movie! But sometimes the movie is excellent in its own right. The following films are for literature lovers who like to see the classics brought to the screen — and portrayed in a way to do justice by their original counterparts.

Both Tolstoy and Dostoevsky paid homage to Russian literature giant Alexander Puskin, but few read him today. For an introduction to his work in film, see the film Onegin starring Ralph Fiennes and Liv Tyler. This dramatic offering brimming with stunning scenes and captivating performances is a must for any fan of nineteenth century Russian literature.

Middlemarch by George Eliot may well be the quintessential Victorian British novel. The film of the same name does not stint on Eliot’s novel and is careful not to abridge too much. It captures the essence of the original by portraying English rural country life in that era by depicting love, marriage, jealousy, deceit, poverty and wealth—all the characters brought expertly to life.

Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds star in this wonderful adaptation of Jane’s Austen’s Persuasion. The film, of the same name, is a second-chance love story. After his first proposal was refused, Captain Wentworth returns many years later to Anne Eliot — only they do not exactly pick up where they left off. Not as popular a novel as Austen’s Pride and Prejudice (A&E’s adaptation is a must for Austen fans), the novel is excellent nonetheless and the film is a charming depiction of a memorable tale.

Who knew that Al Pacino would make such a fine Shylock — but he gives a fine performance in Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice which also features Jeremy Irons.

Another Shakespearian must-see is Much Ado About Nothing starring Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson which brings all Shakespeare’s wit and humor to life on the screen.

Wives and Daughters is based on the Elizabeth Gaskell film of the same name. It is lengthy—but never dull. It simply adheres faithfully to the text by detailing young Molly as she grows up under her father’s care, struggles with her selfish stepmother, befriends her step-sister, falls in love and so forth. If you liked A&E’s Pride and Prejudice, you’ll like this one too!

Because it’s a classic film in itself, Wuthering Heights, based on Emily Bronte’s novel of the same name, deserves special attention. Lawrence Olivier stars as Heathcliff and Merle Oberon plays Cathy. Their doomed love out on the English moors is brought to life in this 1939 adaptation.

The Thomas Hardy novel, The Woodlanders, stars Rufus Sewell who stars in many classic English novel adaptations including the above-mentioned Middlemarch. This novel, one of Hardy’s lesser-known works, is quite enhanced by the film that captures the nuances of its rural setting and life. The characterization might be considered demanding as the novel is rather subtle, but the leads pull it off brilliantly.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a mainstream adaptation of the classic horror novel, but worthy of viewing. Although Frankenstein is clearly portrayed with his monstrous qualities, his humanity is also revealed—his flaws which mirror the flaws of his creator, played by Kenneth Branagh. Especially riveting is the science threaded through many of the scenes that shows just how ahead of her time Shelley was.

The year of its release A Passage to India was nominated for eleven Academy Awards. Based on the E.M. Forster novel of the same name it brings to life the struggle between British and Indian in India while it was under British rule. Hypocrisy and prejudice are showcased in the dramatic courtroom scenes as an English woman accuses an Indian man of rape. Always in the background is the gorgeous and lush scenery of India, the desperation and sweat of the crowded streets.

There are certainly many fine film adaptations for fans of literature. These are a few standouts you’ll be pleased to see. Please let me know what you think of these films, or whether you have suggestions about other films from classic literature, by adding your comment below.