The debate over whether the book is always better than the movie brings up many contrasting opinions and continues to divide students. Many passionate readers believe that books contain more of an immersive experience. They point to the fact that books often contain richer details and allow for greater character development. Books provide more background knowledge and can surprise you with plot twists that the movie version might skip or make obvious. For instance, in The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins, readers get a detailed look at Katniss Everdeen’s thoughts and struggles, much of which is missing from the film adaptations. “The movie was exciting, but it didn’t capture Katniss’s inner conflicts the way the book did,” said Sophomore Noor Hussien.
However, there’s another side to this debate. Some students feel that movies bring stories to life in ways books can’t. With visual effects, musical scores, and strong performances, movies offer a unique experience. Some movies even use colors to depict how the characters feel, like the movie Up, which uses different shades of blue and gray to represent depression. Another example can be found in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, directed by Peter Jackson. Many agree that the films successfully captured the grandeur and emotion of Tolkien’s epic, even earning critical acclaim and Academy Awards. “Seeing Middle-earth on screen was incredible. The movies brought a whole new level of excitement,” says eight grader Naweed Khan.
In the end, whether the book or movie is better depends on how you like to experience stories. Books offer deep insight, while movies provide visual and emotional impact. So which one is better? Well that’s up to you to decide!
