7 outstanding screen adaptations of 19th century British novels

"Sense and Sensibility"

An adaptation of Jane Austen's novel "Sense and Sensibility"

Drama, romance | 4.25 out of 5 on MyShows | 1995

After Mr. Dashwood's death, his luxurious mansion goes to his only son, John Dashwood, while his second wife and three daughters are forced to move to a modest cottage in Devonshire. Surrounded by an unassuming rural audience, passionate Marianne and her reserved sister Elinor will try to arrange their fate against the strict rules of society at the time.

With six Oscar nominations and rave reviews from critics, this adaptation of one of Jane Austen's major novels is a definite success. Adaptation of the text of the book to the screen was Emma Thompson, who also played Elinor. The role of her sister, Marianne, was played by 20-year-old Kate Winslet.

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"Far from the Madding Crowd"

An adaptation of Thomas Hardy's novel "Far from the Madding Crowd"

Drama, romance | 3.94 out of 5 on MyShows | 2015

After inheriting a prosperous farm from her uncle, Miss Bathsheba Everdene moves to Wessex. Intelligent and educated, Miss Everdene charms one man after another: sheep farmer Gabriel Oak, wealthy bachelor William Boldwood, and reckless Sergeant Frank Troy. Now the girl has a difficult choice to make. But what does she want for herself?

Carey Mulligan, Tom Sturridge, Michael Sheen, Matthias Schoenaerts, and Juno Temple — watch "Far From the Madding Crowd" is worth at least for the sake of a great cast. The film was directed by Oscar winner Thomas Vinterberg, known for "Druk" and "Festen".

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"Barry Lyndon"

An adaptation of William Thackeray's novel "The Memoirs of Barry Lyndon, Esq. written by himself"

Drama, romance, war | 4.17 out of 5 on MyShows | 1975

A young Irishman, Redmond Barry, is determined to make a life for himself and become rich at all costs. Barry lies, cheats, seduces, duels and eventually climbs the social ladder by marrying a wealthy countess named Lady Lyndon. But will the long-awaited money and status bring Redmond happiness?

The screenwriter and director of the picture was Stanley Kubrick. Initially, he planned to screen another work of the writer, "Vanity Fair", but eventually abandoned the idea, deciding that the source material is too big to fit it into a three-hour movie.

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"Mary Shelley's Frankenstein"

An adaptation of Mary Shelley's novel "Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus"

Drama, horror, romance, sci-fi | 3.94 out of 5 on MyShows | 1994

Dr. Victor von Frankenstein is a young doctor obsessed with learning how to raise the dead. One day he does succeed in creating a living creature from the remains of a corpse, but when the doctor rejects him, the creature turns into a monster. Soon Dr. Frankenstein will have to regret what he did.

Kenneth Branagh's ("Murder on the Orient Express") film is one of the most accurate adaptations of Shelley's iconic novel. The role of Victor was played by Branagh himself, and his monster was played by Robert De Niro. The movie also starred Helena Bonham Carter and Ian Holm.

"Watched it a second time after so many years, but still fell in love with the movie just as much anew", — TasiaKolchina.

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"Pride & Prejudice"

An adaptation of Jane Austen's "Pride & Prejudice"

Drama, romance | 4.45 out of 5 on MyShows | 2005

There are five daughters in the Bennet family, and upon the death of their father, all of the Bennets' property will go to their distant male relative. So the only thing Mrs. Bennet cares about is getting her daughters successfully married. One day two rich young men arrive in their town: Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy, who immediately arouse the interest of the locals. The amiable Mr. Bingley immediately disposes of the townspeople, but his friend, the proud Mr. Darcy, does not want to communicate with anyone.

"A brilliant adaptation. And a perfectly cast - how touching Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth look together", — HannaPioulard.

"Without having read the book yet, I watched both this movie and the TV series of the same name. Then I read the book and... I rewatch only this movie, the series does not want to. Though it is closer to the book, but something is missing in it. And the movie is just super, every year not less than two times revisit, it is excellent absolutely everything! And always after remains a wonderful mood", — zyyfff.

"When I watched this movie for the first time, I was disappointed and it seemed to me that this version does not go in any comparison with the older one, where Colin Firth played. But after a while I watched this particular movie again and it won me over. Gestures, looks, dialogs, music, atmosphere, cast of actors - everything is on top! And every time I revisit it with the same admiration and incomprehension, how could I have watched it so superficially for the first time that I didn't understand and feel it. Incredible movie!" — YuluaR.

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"The Picture of Dorian Gray"

An adaptation of Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray"

Drama, fantasy, thriller, horror | 4.2 out of 5 on MyShows | 1945

While posing for a portrait, young Dorian Gray talks to Lord Henry Wotton, who says that men should satisfy their sensual desires, but laments that only the young can do so. Fascinated by this idea, Dorian makes a wish that his portrait will age for him, while he himself will always remain young. His wish comes true, and thanks to his unfading beauty, Dorian is able to indulge his every whim while the painting hidden in the attic grows increasingly hideous.

One of the most famous film adaptations of Oscar Wilde's great novel, starring George Saunders, Hurd Hatfield, and Angela Lansbury. The Picture of Dorian Gray for the movie was painted by Henrique Medina, and the ugly one by Ivan Albright, who painted and altered the picture right during filming to reflect the development of the character. This portrait is now in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

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"Great Expectations"

An adaptation of Charles Dickens' novel "Great Expectations"

Comedy, drama, romance | 3.69 out of 5 on MyShows | 1998

A modern adaptation of Dickens' classic novel from Alfonso Cuaron ("Pan's Labyrinth"). The action is moved from early 19th century London to 1990s New York and the names of the characters are changed: in the movie Pip is called Finn, Miss Havisham is Nora Dinsmoor, and Abel Magwitch is Arthur Lustig.

Young Finn Bell falls in love with the unavailable beauty Estella. His heart belongs to her for many years despite the fact that he hasn't seen her in a long time. One day Finn is approached by a lawyer and informed that a certain patron of the arts wants him to paint a picture for an exhibition in a prestigious gallery. Agreeing, Finn goes to New York, where he meets Estella again.

"An underrated movie. Very beautifully shot, Ethan Hawke and Gwynneth Paltrow are talents. Robert De Niro, although he had a small role, hit the spot", — Beezy21.

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