Must-Watch Movies Based on Novels Pt.2: From The Classics

Wednesday, November 2, 2022


Just a little while back I wrote about some must-watch movie adaptations of novels and I realised I did leave out a few more ones that I absolutely love and would absolutely recommend to anyone. 


This is a list of four movies adapted from classic books so, if you're looking for some quality movie to watch next time, here are a few suggestions if you haven't seen these already (or something to rewatch if you have!):


The Phantom of the Opera (2004)


The Phantom of the Opera is my absolute favourite musical of all time. I have read the book, watched the musical (on Youtube just yet) and have rewatched the movie countless times but it still blows my mind each time. The storyline, although strange, is very beautiful and oddly romantic. Christine is not a literary character that I actually like but I think this just proves how well Gaston Leroux created her to be. The movie stars Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum whom in my opinion, definitely did not fall short.

This movie starts with an auction of the items at the opera house. It then transitions and goes back in time to the glory days of the opera where they believe the "Phantom" as a ghost but is truly a disfigured musical genius who has remarkable contributions to the opera house. He then helps Christine's rise to stardom.  Christine is his protégé who was also someone he is obsessed with. She struggled with separating reality and her fantasy as she falls deeper into the Phantom's traps.


Click here to buy/rent this movie on Amazon Prime Video.


Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)


I have seen the movie before but it wasn't until I read the book recently that I remembered to include it in this list. I wrote a review on the book which I will link here in case you're interested. Among all the movies in this list, this is probably the one based on the "more recent" novel (published in 1997) but I believe would cement its classic status if it hasn't already. Although the movie is like a trimmed down version of the novel, this still holds so much value and highlights the most important parts of Nitta Sayuri's life. The cinematography is just phenomenal, it's truly a work of art.


This movie is about Nitta Sayuri,  one of the mot celebrated geishas of her time. Beyond the makeup, the beauty and the arts, she was once Chiyo from a small fishing village who was sold to a geisha house. She didn't know any better, she didn't have a purpose and she has lost all hope until she met the Chairman at a young age who, in a random act of kindness, shone a light into a dream she never even knew she had. Sayuri then strives to be a geisha defying all odds and unfavourable circumstances.


Click here to buy/rent this movie on Amazon Prime Video.


The Great Gatsby


If you haven't heard of the man who threw hundreds of parties to be noticed by the woman he loves, then you haven't met Jay Gatsby. If you think that's quite foolish, then I highly recommend you watch the movie. Just like the Phantom's love for Christine, I think this also counts as one of the oddly romantic love stories in the world of classic literature. I should admit that Gatsby's love interest, Daisy Buchanan is one literary character that I find extremely annoying but again that's really part of the beauty of Fitzgerald's writing. As for the movie, it is undeniably beautiful - the storyline, the costumes, the acting, among many others. They did not fail to bring one of the most famous classic novels to life.


This is a story of a grandeous love of Jay Gatsby to a married woman named Daisy Buchanan as told by his next-door neighbour, Nick who is also an aspiring writer. He befriends Jay Gatsby and takes us through how the tale of all of those parties led to the rollercoaster of emotions, deceit and an eventual tragedy.


Click here to buy/rent this movie in Youtube or click here for Amazon Prime Video.


The Man in The Iron Mask



The Man In the Iron Mask the days of France ruled by an evil ruler named King Louis XIV. The three musketeers seek vengeance for the death of a loved one and liberated a prisoner who was actually King Louis' identical twin brother who wore an iron mask. When they were born, their father decided to hide the other twin in order to avoid conflict between the two of them in the future. Not knowing his identity and even his royalty, the twin brother lived all his life in a dark cell wearing his mask. When he was liberated, the musketeers replaced him with the king and made the king wear the iron mask. In the extreme switch of roles, the twin brother tried to live his new life while King Louis experiences what his brother has been living all those years.

This historical fiction movie is quite an oldie, but still undoubtedly a goodie. Leonardo de Caprio was still very young when he played the role of both King Louis XIV and his twin brother - still, he did a great job for both roles. This movie is beautiful and if you are into historical fiction works, this is something you should watch at least once. There's not a dull moment in the film and every moment that unfolds, you'll find yourself looking forward to the next.



Enjoy!



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