Rating: - Fans, rejoice - a wicked good version!
This disturbing, scary movie version of the classic novel about English boys stranded on an island after a war - and their descent into moral darkness - is just about as good as one could hope for.

To start with, the casting is great. From the first time you see each of the principals and hear them speak, you want to nod. When the choir first arrives, singing a Kyrie that slowly fades in and ends in a trumpet fanfare as they reach the other boys, it gives you chills. Lord have Mercy, indeed, those who know what's coming will think. We're on the right track.

The film is remarkably faithful to the story, including many of the little moments that subtly define the characters. The buildup is just right, including Ralph's increasing desperation as he tries to hold the boys together and the gradual change in Jack. When the most horrendous moment of the story arrives - I don't want to give it away but those who read the book will know what I mean - it's almost unbearable to watch. There's no merciful tact here to let viewers off the hook. You're forced to deal with exactly what's happening and the irony of who, out of all the boys, it's happening to.

I will note, though, that Simon's notorious interview with the title character (a scene that admittedly must give directors everywhere nightmares at the mere thought of trying to film it) is not heard, which might leave you a little puzzled and missing an important part of the story if you haven't read it. This version suffers much, much less than it's remake from the omission, however, and can pretty much get away with it.

All in all, highly recommended.

Lord of Flies (1963)