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The best adaptations of some of my favourite books
The Jewel In The Crown - The Complete Series [1984]The Jewel In The Crown - The Complete Series [1984]
Buy new: £14.98 / Used from: £41.97
The best ever literary adaptation and a magnificent achievement for television. Cleverly adapts the complex plot, whilst retaining the spirit. It is also both visually stunning and perfectly cast.
Brideshead Revisited - Complete SeriesBrideshead Revisited - Complete Series
Buy new: £13.71 / Used from: £11.50
There is an unrivalled sense of respect for the source material that emanates from everyone involved in this production. It doesn't rush the remarkably profound story and that is why it works so well.
Atonement [2007]Atonement [2007]
Buy new: £7.48 / Used from: £6.38
Very unusual to find a film today that not only stays faithful to the book, but also manages to be authentic in its recreation of the period. An fine cast, apart from the incompetent Keira Knightley.
Pride and Prejudice [1980] (REGION 1) (NTSC)Pride and Prejudice [1980] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
Buy new: £9.56 / Used from: £6.80
Jane Austen is impossible to do justice within this medium, but this is the best attempt at filming any of her novels. It's not perfect, but the relationships and the period are thankfully intact.
Jane Eyre (BBC) [2007] [2006]Jane Eyre (BBC) [2007] [2006]
Buy new: £6.87 / Used from: £9.98
The screenplay is a travesty and the childhood scenes are awful, but the chemistry and acting from the two leads, as well as the gothic atmosphere, is unsurpassed in any other Bronte adaptation.