Over the years, book to movie adaptations has become common. Producers like to portray popular stories in new mediums, such as theatre and film. An example of this is the numerous adaptations of Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carrol for both television and film.
Other books like Charles Dickens masterpiece Great Expectations was adapted into a movie in 1946 and 2012. Roald Dahl’s The BFG was released as a major film in 2016, as well as the release of Harry Potter in 2002.
Why Are Books Adapted Into Movies?
Books often lead to movie adaptations as they are beneficial to both parties. Avid readers and fans of the book go to theatres to watch the movie. On the other hand, a good film gets more people to read the book.
For example, the Hunger Games Series sold millions of books after the movie release and the creation of two sequels- Catching Fire and Mockingjay. Now, there are over 23.5 million books in print.
Advantages Of Books to Movies Adaptations
The advantage of a book made into a film is seeing the characters come alive giving your imagination a sense of reality. Many people cannot imagine the characters or situations when reading a book, but a film makes all that very simple.
Another reason for turning books into films is to appeal to a wide audience. Reading books is not a hobby that everyone indulges in, but everyone like watching movies. Additionally, books sometimes have a language barrier, thus withholding a great story from the reader.
Film adaptations also work for less popular books, thus reaching out to more people. Filmmakers also bring in fresh perspectives as they take certain creative liberties and add their own touches to the film.
Disadvantages Of Books to Movies Adaptations
Books are more detailed, allowing readers to relate to the emotions of a character in the book more easily. Furthermore, movies can only be 2 to 3 hours long. Therefore, the filmmakers skip on a lot of details in the film.
Many movie adaptations do not justify the depth of a book. Unnecessary drama and songs in the movie ruin the novel’s essence. Furthermore, the creative liberties of a director don’t go down well with the audience because they expect the film to showcase the exact sequences in the book. Likewise, the casting choice may ruin the imagined persona and look of the character.
5 Best Books To Movie Adaptations For Children and Teenagers
1. The Hunger Games
Release: 2012
Based on: Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games (2008)
As mentioned above, The Hunger Games broke all records of books adapted into movies. The movie captures the spirit of the book while being highly entertaining.
This movie follows Katniss Everdeen, who replaces her sister as Tribute from District 12. She and Peta Mellark navigate the deadly hunger games until one is left standing, all to aid their district.
The stunning and talented cast play their character to perfection, making it a fan favourite. Actors like Jennifer Lawerence, Josh Hutcherson, Stanley Tucci as well as Woody Harrelson are a part of the film.
2. Harry Potter Series
Release Date: 2004 to 2011
Based on: J.K. Rowling‘s Harry Potter (1997- 2007)
The most successful of book to movie adaptations is the Harry Potter series. It is the story of an orphan, Harry Potter, who one day discovers that he is a wizard. Over the years, all books were adapted into a film, captivating audiences left and right. The audience views the challenges Harry and his friends, Hermione and Ron, face as they try to beat the evil Voldemort. It also shows teenage romances and other turbulent feelings that every kid goes through at some point. With entertaining characters like the pranksters Fred and George, the movie is a must-watch.
3. Love, Simon
Release Date: 2018
Based on: Becky Albertalli’s Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda (2015)
Before Nick Robinson was cast in Everything, Everything, he brought another fan-favourite book character to life. Love Simon became the first production to tell the love story of a gay teenager. The story follows Simon, who keeps his homosexuality a secret. However, when a blackmailer threatens to reveal it, he goes on a nerve-wracking journey to come to terms with his identity. The film earned high praise and also won the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Film.
4. Divergent
Release Date: 2014
Based on: Veronica Roth’s Divergent (2011)
The teen movie adaptation of the Divergent series dominated the landscape in the 2010s. The film starred Shailene Woodley and Theo Jams, portraying the characters of Tris Prior and Tobias Eaton, respectively.
Tris Prior lives in a futuristic world where society consists of five factions. As a person reaches adulthood, they must choose a faction and commit to it for life. Tris chooses Dauntless, a faction that pursues bravery above all else. During initiation, Tris discovers that she is a Divergent, someone who does not belong to just one faction. Knowing that she must hide her status, Tris uncovers an impending war that threatens everyone she loves.
5. The Princess Diaries
Release Date: 2001
Based on: Meg Cabot’s The Princess Diaries (2000)
Based on a series of young adult novels written by Meg Cabot, The Princess Diaries follows Mia, a geeky 16-year-old who finds her life thrown into chaos with the revelation that she is the princess of Genovia. Starring talented actors like Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews, This coming of age movie deals with everyday teenage problems like insecurity and low self-esteem.
Conclusion
Book to movie adaptations offers several benefits. Not only do movies publicize the books they are based on it also gives viewers a new take on the story. Many well known and popular books have movie adaptations. The above movies are only 5 of the good adaptations out there. Others include all Disney movies, The Maze Runner, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, The BFG and many more.
Your kids will surely love to view all their favourite books in a visual and engaging format, a great activity for family time.
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