Screen adoptions of novels

urce: CCTV.com

04-20-2009 09:12

Screen adaptations of novels often have mixed fortunes...with many turning out to be a huge success, or a dismal failure. One successful example is the latest Oscar winning film, "Slumdog Millionare". In today's "Spotlight", we take a look at some screen adaptations, both at home and abroad.

In China, the novel "Summer of Foam" is being made into a TV series and shooting has just begun. The lead roles are played by stars Huang Xiaoming, He Rundong, Barbie Hsu, and Ying Tsai-ling. Lead actor He Rundong, who is also the series' producer, says they are being very careful about adapting the novel into a TV series. They have chosen quality stars who appeal to a young audience.

TV series "Love in a Fallen City", adapted from late writer Eileen Chang's famous novel, features actress Chen Shu as the heroine.

Producer He Rundong said, "I persuaded Ming Xiaoxi, the writer of the original novel for two months, letting her to sell the adaptation rights to me. Now, you see our cast is very powerful, so I believe the series will be a success."

Another two screen adaptations in China are using stars to boost their image. The film "Night Rose" was adapted from Taiwan writer Cai Zhiheng's novel of the same name. It stars Ruby Lin and Wallace Chung. Another TV series "Love in a Fallen City", adapted from late writer Eileen Chang's famous novel, features actress Chen Shu as the heroine. Chen rose to fame by playing a mathematician in the hit TV series "Calculation". The novel is a classic in the eyes of many readers. Chen has done a lot of preparation for her role, hoping she can satisfy fans' expectations.

The most successful adaptation of the year arguably goes to "Slumdog Millionare". It met Chinese audiences within the shortest time of all imported films, after its foreign premiere. It garnered eight Academy awards at this year's Oscars.

e film, directed by an Englishman, and focusing on Indian society, tells a moving rags-to-riches tale of Jamal, and his unflinching pursuit of true love. The film won Best Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars and the British Academy of Film Awards. Director Danny Boyle says it was thanks to a good story.

But a good story doesn't always lead to a good film. "Dragon Ball" has been rated by the fans of the original novel as the worst adaptation of the year. The cartoon novel, illustrated by cartoonist Toriyama Akira, has large fan base across the Asia, so fans had high expectations. But the film didn't satisfy the novel's readers. Even the lead actor Chow Yun-fat was not confident about the production upon the film's release.

"Dragon Ball"

Actor Chow Yun-fat said, "The director told me to forget the cartoon image, and follow my pace. So I followed him. Every one of my moves was directed by him."

Due to a big departure in the look of the roles, in the plot, and in the action moves compared to those depicted in the novel, the film "Dragon Ball" turned out to be a failure.

Audiences are also expecting more adaptations of novels, like "Harry Potter and the Half-blooded Prince" and "Astro Boy". Fans of the novels are waiting to see if the visual story can make their idols really come to life.