The English Patient: A Screenplay

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From the novel by Michael Ondaatje

Anthony Minghella's screenplay is a gripping adaptation of Michael Ondaatje's Booker Prize-winning story of love, betrayal and loss set against a background of war, spies and intrigue."Here is a work of art to break your heart" (Time); "The current movie versions of books are well-meaning, but none comes close to The English Patient in their ability to turn literary prose into cinematic gems" (New York Times)

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Rating(3.8 / 5.0, 23 votes)
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23 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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Qué director y qué pérdida tan grande para la industria del cine. The absence of Minghella is truly felt. Anthony Minghella was a remarkable and highly influential director. His works were known for their elegance, depth, and emotional resonance. He had a unique ability to bring stories to life on the big screen, captivating audiences with his masterful direction.


His films, such as "The English Patient" and "Cold Mountain," were not only critically acclaimed but also commercially successful. They touched the hearts of people around the world and left a lasting impact. Minghella's talent and vision were a valuable asset to the film industry, and his untimely departure is a great loss.


His absence will be deeply mourned by his colleagues, fans, and all those who appreciate great cinema. However, his body of work will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers and serve as a testament to his extraordinary talent. We can only hope that his legacy will live on and that his films will be remembered and cherished for years to come.

July 15,2025
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I discovered this particular item in a charity shop for just 50p. I was truly shocked when I saw the price. It was such a bargain that I simply had to get it.

As soon as I opened it and started reading from the very first page, I was completely amazed by the writing of Anthony Minghella. His words have a magical quality that pulls me in and makes me feel every emotion he brings to the story.

It's as if he has the ability to transport me into a different world, a world filled with vivid characters and captivating plotlines. His writing style is so unique and engaging that it inspires me to write with the same level of emotion and passion.

I feel truly fortunate to have found this gem in the charity shop. It has become one of my most precious possessions and I will cherish it for a long time to come.
July 15,2025
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The English Patient is a captivating tale that delves into the lives of several characters.

Hana, a nurse, decides to stay in an abandoned monastery with her dying burn patient after her best friend is killed by a road mine. The others, understanding her shock, let her be. She is convinced that everyone she loves dies.

Kip, a Sikh sapper, and his sergeant Hardy work to defuse mines and booby traps in the town. Another man, Caravaggio, arrives in an odd way, seemingly in search of Hana and her patient.

Flashbacks reveal the life of pre-war explorers in North Africa, including the Hungarian Count De Almasy. We see his passionate affair with Katharine Clifton, and it becomes clear that he is the burn patient. As the story unfolds, Caravaggio accuses him of being a spy, but the truth is far more heartbreaking.

Hana allows herself to love Kip, but nearly loses him to a bomb. The foreshadowing in the story adds to its depth and emotional impact.

The dialogue between the characters, such as the discussion about love and the mention of Anna Karenina, reveals their complex relationships and inner turmoil.

Distilling a long book into a screenplay is no easy task, but the 104-page script manages to capture the essence of the story beautifully. After reading it, I watched the movie with kid3 and was once again moved to tears. This story truly deserves 5 stars.
July 15,2025
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The English Patient, which is based on the novel by Michael Ondaatje and has a screenplay written and is directed by Anthony Minghella, is truly a remarkable work.

It might be one of those rare cases where the motion picture outshines the original material. The film has achieved an astonishing number of awards, including multiple Academy Awards, BAFTAs, and surprisingly only two Golden Globes. It has won nine Oscars for various categories such as Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Costume Design, Best Music, and Best Cinematography.

Of course, like any great work, it has its detractors. Some may not be thrilled by the story, as was the case with the novel for some. However, the film's story is a complex and beautiful one. It is filmed with great care, featuring superb costumes and fantastic shots of the desert.

Ralph Fiennes gives a memorable performance as The English Patient, also known as Count Almasy, who is the epitome of the romantic hero. At the start of the film, he is severely burned and incapacitated after a plane accident, and his fate seems sealed. Hana, the nurse, takes pity on him and decides to stop at a monastery to ease his suffering in his final days.

The identity of the burned patient is initially a mystery, as he suffers from amnesia on top of his other ailments. But gradually, a story of love, betrayal, collusion with the enemy, and romantic expeditions unfolds. The film weaves together the present and the past in parallel narratives, creating a rich and rewarding fresco.

Caravaggio, played by Willem Dafoe, along with other characters like Kip, Madox, Major Muller, and more, add to the complexity and drama of the story. They are involved in both horror scenes and romantic moments, making the film a truly sophisticated and engaging experience.

The English Patient is a phenomenal masterpiece that explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the consequences of our choices. It is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
July 15,2025
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I absolutely love this novel!!!

The romantic love story between Almassy and Katherine is truly beautiful to read about. It unfolds in a way that captivates the reader from the very beginning.

The author has masterfully crafted a tale that is filled with passion, longing, and heartbreak. The descriptions are so vivid that you can almost picture the scenes playing out in front of your eyes.

The book is far better than the film as it allows you to fully immerse yourself in the characters' thoughts and emotions. It delves deeper into their relationship and provides a more in-depth understanding of their motives and actions.

This novel is something that everyone who enjoys romance should read. It will touch your heart and leave you with a sense of wonder and longing. It is a classic love story that will stay with you long after you have turned the last page.

July 15,2025
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I saw the movie before I read the book. This might be the reason why I have a preference for the film's grandeur, romance, and exotic charm over the book's fragmented and impressionistic display of erudition.

To their credit, Michael Ondaatje (the author), Saul Zaentz (the producer), and Anthony Minghella (the director) were aware that the film would be a completely different entity. It wasn't so much a reproduction of the book but rather an interpretation of its themes. They were glad to let Minghella bring his vision to life.

My wife and I adored the film, including its music, cinematography, and acting. Reading the screenplay now feels like being catapulted back eighteen years. With the advantage of maturity, one can notice the seams in the intricate tapestry that Minghella wove. It's rather embarrassing to be reminded how often I've borrowed the film's ideas and emotions.

It's refreshing to see a film that takes adults' relationships seriously, although it perhaps allows romantic love to overcome all scruples a bit too effortlessly. Anyway, the book of the screenplay is well-structured, featuring significant essays by Ondaatje, Zaentz, and Minghella about the writing process.
July 15,2025
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I truly loved this article to such an extent that I found myself reading it not once, not twice, but three times!

Each time I delved into its pages, I discovered new nuances and details that further enhanced my understanding and appreciation. The author's writing style was engaging and captivating, drawing me in from the very first sentence. The content was not only informative but also thought-provoking, making me reflect on various aspects of the subject matter.

I was particularly impressed by the way the author presented the ideas, using clear and concise language that was easy to follow. The examples and illustrations provided added depth and clarity to the concepts, making them more accessible to the reader.

Overall, this article was a real gem, and I would highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in the topic. It is definitely one of the best pieces of writing I have come across in a long time.
July 15,2025
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The only book I have ever read which I enjoyed less than the film.


This statement might seem a bit unusual to some, but it holds true for me in this particular case. The book in question had a certain charm on paper, but it failed to translate that same magic onto the page as effectively as the film did.


The film, on the other hand, was able to bring the story to life in a more vivid and engaging way. The visuals, the acting, and the overall production values added a new dimension to the narrative that the book simply couldn't match.


It's not that the book was bad; it just didn't have the same impact on me as the film. Maybe it was the pacing, or perhaps it was the way the characters were developed. Whatever the reason, I found myself more drawn to the film version and less interested in the book.


In conclusion, while I appreciate the art of both books and films, in this instance, the film was the clear winner for me. It managed to capture my attention and hold it throughout, while the book left me feeling a bit underwhelmed.
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