My Top 7 Book to Screen Adaptations
- Rudi
- Sep 5, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 6, 2020
Have you ever asked someone what they like to do in their free time? Some of the most common answers are playing an instrument, or cooking, some may even say reading. No one ever tells you that they love to watch (or binge watch) movies and TV. So, I decided to base my next post on two of my favourite past times - books and movies.
Most of the time, screen adaptations fail to do justice to the book itself. It's heartbreaking to say the least. Once in a while, there comes along this one movie or TV series that manages to shake you up just as much as the book. Offf! Those are the best.
Here are My Top 7 Book to Screen Adaptations... again in no specific order.
1. 13 Reasons Why
Jay Asher
Released: 31 March 2017
Creator: Brian Yorkey
Cast: Dylan Minette, Katherine Langford, Brandon Flynn
One of my favourite aspects of this book/series, is that it takes place after the death of the protagonist. Another thing I particularly enjoyed was the fact it covers every detail mentioned in the book.
On the downside, I disliked the following 3 seasons as the sidetrack from the original plot.
2. Wonder
R. J. Placcio
Released: 14 November 2017
Director: Stephen Chbosky
Cast: Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, Jacob Tremblay
I absolutely LOVE this movie! It does complete and absolute justice to the book. The story is ageless and the portrayal of the characters and emotions are on point. Need I say more?
I would totally recommend this movie, or book, regardless of your age.
3. Artemis Fowl
Eoin Colfer
Released: 12 June 2020
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Cast: Lara McDonnell, Ferdia Shaw, Judi Dench
Artemis Fowl is filled with magic, a deathtrap and a mastermind in a suit. As cliche as it sounds, it is definitely worth a watch. The details in the film are downright amazing- from the gadgets to the location and setting, they are identical to the book. I definitely enjoyed reliving my 13 year-old self's dream.
4. Anne with an E
L. M. Montgomery
Released: 19 March 2017
Creator: Moira Walley-Beckett
Cast: Amybeth McNulty, Lucas Jade Zumann, Dalila Bela
Although there are multiple screen adaptations of this series, 'Anne with an E' surpasses the rest. The series has 3 seasons and each one is better than the last.
There are a lot of changes compared to the book- creation of new supporting characters and even changes in the plot to lay emphasis on the issues of racism and sexism. Despite the wandering from the main story, I love the series and would recommend it all the same.
5. The Book Thief
Markus Zusak
Released: 8 November 2013
Director: Brian Percival
Cast: Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson, Sophie Nélisse
One of my favourite things about this movie, is the depiction of Nazi Germany. As a low-key WW2 buff, it was delight to watch. Even the characters have been played beautifully.
Oddly enough, the 'life changing revelation' was lacking for me, when compared to the book. Still it is one of my favourites.
6. Little Women
Louisa May Alcott
Released: 7 December 2019
Director: Greta Gerwig
Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh
This is hands down the best movie of all time. The plot has been shortened, when compared to the book, and many chunks have been left out, but for the first time it did not feel like the story was incomplete. From the individual characters, to the setting and the story it is just perfect. I don't much have a lot more to say except that you absolutely SHOULD watch it.
7. The Hate U Give
Angie Thomas
Released: 7 September 2018
Director: George Tillman Jr.
Cast: Amandla Stenberg, K. J. Apa, Sabrina Carpenter
From the light hearted humour, to the strong message, I love every aspect of this movie/book. It is a simple yet strong message that cannot be ignored and it couldn't have been portrayed better in either the book or the movie.
I also particularly love the attention to the details. For example, Starr's love for sneakers has been shown so subtly, yet you don't miss it.
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