20 latest movies based on books: part 2

Is it worth watching the movie if you’ve already read the book? Of course it is. It’s the only way to compare the world and characters you’ve created in your imagination with their on-screen embodiment. And sometimes a movie gives a book a second life, complementing and revealing it in a new way. As you may have guessed, a selection of the best movies based on books awaits you.

The Jungle Book (2016)

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The top movies based on books continues with a large-scale adaptation of the story of a boy raised in a wolf pack. Mowgli has to cross the jungle to reach the village of people. On his way, the boy will meet Baloo the bear, Bagheera the panther, Kaa the majestic python, and finally his main enemy, Shere Khan the tiger. The film adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s collection of short stories has already appeared on the big screen, but this time the authors have made some changes, including more episodes from the book to make the story more interesting.

Arrival (2016)

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12 alien ships arrive on Earth. They are located in different parts of the planet, not even trying to make contact. It is up to linguist Louise Banks to find out what they are waiting for and why they have come to our planet, and she goes to a military base near one of the ships. The source for the film adaptation was a science fiction story by Ted Chiang. In the film adaptation, the narrative is full of philosophical thoughts, which made The Story of Your Life an interesting intellectual thriller that won an Oscar for sound editing.

The Revenant (2015)

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The film, based on the novel by Michael Panke, has become one of the most notable cinematic events of recent years. In the uncharted vastness of the Wild West, the wounded hunter Hugh Glass tries to survive, catch up with his traitorous partner and take revenge. Those who have read the book of the same name will be interested to see the movie version of the characters. The western will allow you not to imagine but to see the atmosphere of primitive nature and harsh winter and, of course, enjoy the performance of Leonardo DiCaprio. Those who are not yet familiar with the work will definitely enjoy the story of willpower, courage, and an incredible desire for life.

The Martian (2015)

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The Martian mission of American astronauts went according to plan. The crew is forced to urgently leave the planet, leaving one of the team members behind. Everyone thinks that biologist Mark Watney died after damaging his spacesuit during the mission. However, the man managed to survive. Now he is alone on a deserted planet without food, air, water, or communication with Earth. Not everyone can handle the book version of science fiction, which is full of terms. But the movie, in turn, was highly appreciated by the audience, and it is worth watching for fans of fantastic adventures.

In the Heart of the Sea (2015)

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The adaptation of the novel about the resilience and fearlessness of whalers turned an interesting but dry story into an emotional adventure film. After a huge whale attacks the ship, a team of two dozen people had to move to boats. In the middle of the ocean, they will fight for survival without food and fresh water for three months. Unlike the book, the movie version reveals in more detail the characters of the people and their experiences.

Macbeth (2015)

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The Australian director’s film tries not to distort the original work of William Shakespeare and almost accurately conveys the essence of the historical drama. The movie takes the viewer to the distant and harsh 11th century, where the thirst for power and brute force ruled the fate of people. The cruel commander Macbeth decided to win the throne and, together with his wife, is ready to do anything to become the next king of Scotland.

Gone Girl (2014)

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The plot of this beautiful, vivid adaptation of a work of contemporary literature will be of interest to fans of twisted thrillers with an unexpected ending. In Gillian Flynn’s book, everything is not what it seems, and the movie successfully realized this concept. Nick and Amy celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary. As in any family, young people have some unspoken words and skeletons in the closet, but this is not their worst problem. On this day, Amy disappears, and all the circumstances indicate that her husband is involved in her disappearance, and maybe even in her murder.

The Fault in Our Stars (2014)

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The teenage drama tells the story of two young people who, by the will of fate, meet in a rehabilitation group. Hazel and Augustus both have cancer. And while Augustus is in remission, the girl cannot boast of positive changes. The guy tries his best to pull Hazel out of her depression by making her laugh, fulfilling her dreams, and making her believe in the best. Despite the fact that the book deserved the love of readers, the movie turned out to be even more emotional and sensitive.

The Great Gatsby (2013)

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The best film adaptation of the cult book by Francis Fitzgerald will immerse the viewer in the 20s of the last century – the world of beautiful suits, feathers on women’s hats and jazz music. The mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby hosts the most fashionable New York parties in his mansion, but he does not participate in them. Nick Carraway, a World War II veteran, moves in next door to him. Soon, Nick will witness the backstage love triangles and the unexpected tragic outcome of this story.

12 Years a Slave (2013)

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In 1853, the book 12 Years a Slave caused a sensation in American society, becoming a precursor to the Civil War. 160 years later, the film adaptation of the dramatic story of a black musician won an Oscar for Best Picture. The story begins in 1841. Solomon Northup arrives in Washington, DC with his family. A job offer turns out to be a deception, and in the morning Solomon wakes up chained up – his companions mistook him for a runaway slave. From that moment on, 12 years of torment and slave labor begin for the hero.

Read more:

• 20 latest movies based on books: part 1