3 Heart-Wrenching Book-to-Movie Adaptations You Should See [PHOTOS and VIDEOS]
It is almost safe to say that book lovers are also movie enthusiasts, with their tastes for the cinematic and literary art entwining like yarns forming a scarf to the soul.
In the past few years, many green lights were given by different production houses to shoot movie adaptations of some literary best sellers around the world. Just a note, we are not talking about the usual Stephen King thrillers or sappy Nicholas Sparks romance dramas. Not that we have anything against those adaptations, but these movie examples truly captured the vivid spectrum of the emotionally grim, panoramic imagery of these novels.
In addition to the surreal, melancholic and unusual storylines of the books, having to see the production designs give justice to the descriptions, and the effective portrayal of the actors on film, are different and unreal feelings for the readers. It gives that extra kick of satisfying depression that fans are only willing to experience on film or books- and not in real life.
Here are the top three book-to-movie tear jerkers you can feast your lonely heart on:
1. Norwegian Wood (Haruki Murakami)
Adapted by director, Tran Ann Hung, 'Norwegian Wood' is a novel by international Japanese writer Haruki Murakami. Murakami is known for his dreamlike sequences, and the movie's treatment in terms of colors and expressive scenes attack without too much dialogue. It is almost as effective and as dramatic as reading the book itself, only with calming visuals to accompany the cryfest.
The story revolves Watanabe's relationship with Naoko, a childhood friend and a past lover of his best friend (Kizumi) who killed himself; and Midori, a forward, charming lady he met in a university in Tokyo. As Watanabe finds himself in a labyrinth of emotions and uncertainty towards his feelings for both, events unfold that will make viewers realize the sad, relatable feelings themselves.
Unlike in the book, the characters are not that established in the movie, but it is still a good watch for a night of solemn introspection and realizations.
Trivia: Jonny Greenwood from the band Radiohead did the original score for this movie, adding to the melancholic vibe of the film.
2. Never Let Me Go (Kazuo Ishiguro)
Being one of the best books of the century's first decade, 'Never Let Me Go' is a sci-fi romance that will make anyone cry in emotional masochism. The movie stars Carey Mulligan, Kiera Knightley and Andrew Garfield as the main characters (Kathy H, Ruth, and Tommy respectively), directed by Matthew Romanek.
The story is set in an 'academy' called 'Hailsham,' an institution built to hone 'cloned beings' with good organs and 'carers' for the use of donating them to the 'real people' in need. With the characters knowing each other as early as they can remember, the three of them get involved in different situations, even concerning a love triangle and a hopeless romance as sad as a 15-year-old courtship failure.
Once the characters find out that "love" literally conquers all-- including their unfortunate fate, they are blinded by the chance to skip "donating" their organs or be "carers" and lead a normal life. We all know how it ends or else it wouldn't end up in this list.
3. Atonement (Ian McEwan)
The movie version of this bestseller crushed many hearts and broke spirits with the exceptional acting of Kiera Knightley and James McAvoy as Cecilia Talis and Robert Turner. The story follows the complex love affair of the two during wartime. This movie gained much recognition at the 80th Academy Awards (including Best Picture) and nabbed the trophy for Best Original Score. Saoirse Roman, even gained a Best Supporting nomination for her performance in the movie - not bad for a 13-year-old.
In the story, Robbie is false fully accused of raping Cecilia and another cousin of theirs, thus hindering their love for each other. As time goes by, Robbie is jailed, gets transferred to the military and unraveling events took course that dictate the sad stream of their affection.
View the slideshow to see stills and posters of these movies.