Review of Lord of the Flies (1963) by Allan C — 05 Apr 2017

This is easily one of the best and most faithful book to movie adaptations I've ever seen. I had just finished reading 'The Lord of the Flies' for the first time when I watched this film and, unlike quite a few movies based on books, Brook's film adds to the experience of reading the book rather then sullying it. Made only a few years after the book came out, this British film captures the nuances of the boy's culture and language that I, being an American in the 2000s, missed in my initial reading.

The black and white helps the documentary feeling the whole film has, which only adds to the effectiveness of Golding's themes. It really makes the whole story seem like it could actually happen. While the movie eliminates a few parts of the narrative, it doesn't completely rewrite the story, like the horrible 1990 remake. This film captures the essence of the book. It is stunningly visually, in both the framing of the boys and nature. It probably lingers too long on some shots for modern CGI tastes, leading some to believe it is "boring," but it gives the viewer time appreciate the beauty and horror of it all.

If you've never read the book, this is fascinating film. If you've read the book, it's even better.