Captain Corelli's Mandolin: Your views

Does it live up to expectations if you've read the book?

Louis de Bernière's widely acclaimed novel, Captain Corelli's Mandolin, has been adapted for the big screen and will be on general release from 4 May.

The filmmakers will be hoping that the film is as big a success as the book.

"Do not come to this film looking for a faithful adaptation of the book nor should you come expecting to see the greatest film of the year," wrote BBC News Online's Olive Clancy.

But what do you think? Does it focus on the best elements of the book or does it shy away from the grittier issues? Does it matter? Is it fair to judge the film purely in relation to the book rather than on its own merits?

I was very disappointed. It is a novel that I found very dear to my heart, having read it 8 years ago, and re-read it recently. Too much change to the story line. I could hardly sit through it and it felt like a desecration of what was so poignant and beautiful. I wonder what the author thought of it.
Geraldine O'Meara, UK

Nothing special, a bit drawn out and boring, nice scenery but wouldn't recommend it. See Bridget Jones instead! Much better!
Jane Collier, Wales

I think this is an excellent movie. Certainly a lot better than the critics are making out. A breath of fresh air!
Steven C, UK

I thought this film was a total disaster. I realise it would have been nigh on impossible to stick faithfully to the book, however, the screenplay was lazy to say the least. Not so much an adaptation as an assasination.

Key elements pivotal to the storyline have been glossed over or missed out completely. The fact that they added a sex scene and also changed the ending smacks of pure commercialism.

The acting was dire, I normally like Nick Cage but in this he failed to capture the joi de vivre and romanticism of the Captain. Penelope Cruz has a whiny voice and I found her extremely irritating.

Even people who have not read the book will be left wondering what all the hype is about. I found myself waiting impatiently for the ending. Very dull indeed.
Lorretta, England

Not having read the book, I approached the film with an open mind, having read a couple of bad reviews. I'm not sure that the director had decided what type of film he was trying to make.

It's basically a love story set on a Greek Island towards the end of the last war. It has its share of exciting moments but the overall film lacks something.

The characterisation leaves something to be desired, as both the boyfriend of the female lead and the Captain of the story aren't particuarly convincing.

Nicholas Cage does improve as the film progresses but he seems more of a cross between Seve Ballesteros and Mr Whippy.

The middle portion is a bit slow and the war scenes seem a bit too violent for this type of film.

Neverthess, it's quite touching towards the end and one can forgive its shortcomings. John Hurt has just about the best role and he carries it well. Worth a visit in spite of all this.
John Collins, England

Captain Corelli's Mandolin is seriously the best film I have ever seen. The acting is brilliant and the setting is absolutely gorgeous.
Lizzie, UK

I read the book ages ago before it became a bestseller. I was going on holiday to Greece and bought it at the airport. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. I won't go to the film as it would spoil my own version.
Janice Fry, England

My enjoyment of the film was ruined by the dreadful performance of Nicholas Cage. His hammy accent and ponderous delivery destroyed both the dialogue and the mood of the film.
Michael Entill, UK

Who is the nutcase who cast the movie? It would have been better not to make this film at all.
Lisa, USA

Film adaptations of 'quality' books usually infuriate me with seemingly endless changes to the story and for no good reason.

Despite what the critics are writing, I enjoyed this film. There were clear reasons why the story had been compressed and I think that it will be a great success with the cinema going public.
Phil Whitney, England

As a lover of the book, I was slightly concerned when I heard that the film had changed parts of the book, which made it so enticing.

However, once you had got over the slightly dubious accents, the film developed at a good pace, successfully portraying the beauty and tragedy which the film revolves around.
James Trimming, England