Hollywood’s penchant for remakes may not always resonate with audiences, often leading to reproductions that feel like pale imitations of the originals. Yet, at times, remakes can achieve a distinctive quality that eclipses their predecessors. Here are twelve remakes that have garnered acclaim for surpassing the films that inspired them, reports BritPanorama.
The Departed
Martin Scorsese secured his first Best Director Oscar for this gripping remake of the 2002 Cantonese crime thriller Infernal Affairs. The film shifts the story from Hong Kong to Boston, presenting Leonardo DiCaprio as a rookie cop who goes undercover in the Irish mob, ultimately infiltrating the criminal operations of Jack Nicholson’s character, mafia boss Frank Costello. Meanwhile, Matt Damon portrays a more apparent role as a polished police officer, who is secretly informing Costello about police activities. Scorsese’s adaptation injects depth into the characters while featuring a powerful soundtrack dominated by the Rolling Stones.
Big
The 1988 film Big is based on the 1987 Italian film Da Grande, which tells the story of a young boy who morphs into a 40-year-old man. The concept was transformed into a Hollywood classic by Gary Ross and Anne Spielberg, reportedly developed in just one hour. At the heart of the film is Tom Hanks, whose charm elevates the body-swap narrative. Though Hanks was not the first choice for the role, his portrayal of Josh makes it a defining comedy of the late 1980s.
A Fistful of Dollars
In 1964, Clint Eastwood starred in a film that not only marked his ascent but also launched the spaghetti western genre. A Fistful of Dollars drew inspiration from Akira Kurosawa’s 1961 film Yojimbo, leading Kurosawa to express his displeasure and seek legal redress. Despite its controversial beginnings, this film redefined the western genre, combining complex characters with striking visual storytelling and an unforgettable score by Ennio Morricone.
Some Like it Hot
Starring Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and Marilyn Monroe, this classic comedy from 1959 reinterprets the French film Fanfare d’Amour (1935). Director Billy Wilder added a riveting mafia subplot that turned a simple premise into a sharp, engaging comedy, skillfully navigating themes of disguise and identity with sophistication and wit.
The Ring
While some viewers appreciate the atmospheric quality of the original Japanese film Ringu (1998), the 2002 remake, starring Naomi Watts, offers a chilling narrative that resonates more intensely with modern audiences. The story unfolds with journalist Rachel investigating a series of deaths linked to a cursed videotape. Although it presents some narrative inconsistencies, this film lingers in the mind, solidifying itself as a notable horror remake.
True Lies
James Cameron’s True Lies is a lively remake of the French comedy La Totale! (1991), which blends high-octane action with humour through the story of a couple engaged in espionage. Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis, the film presents a comedic yet action-packed experience, although it raises unsettling ethical questions regarding its themes.
Insomnia
Christopher Nolan’s Insomnia, a remake of the 1997 Norwegian film, delves into psychological complexity without relying on spectacle. With Al Pacino as a faltering detective and Robin Williams in an unforeseen role as the antagonist, the film brilliantly uses the Alaska setting to enhance its narrative dynamics. This remake not only captures the essence of the original but elevates its thematic depth.
The Parent Trap
The Parent Trap in 1998, directed by Nancy Meyers, takes inspiration from the 1950 West German film Two Times Lotte. It follows identical twins, separated by their parents’ divorce, reuniting at a summer camp and plotting to rekindle their parents’ romance. Lindsay Lohan’s breakout performance solidified her status as a promising young actress, contributing to the film’s enduring appeal.
CODA
This crowd-pleasing film, based on the 2014 French-Belgian movie La Famille Bélier, won the Best Picture Oscar in 2021. Starring Emilia Jones as the only hearing member of a deaf family, it explores themes of family dynamics and personal aspirations. While it sparked discussions about representation, its mainstream success brought significant attention to the deaf community.
Scent of a Woman
The 1992 remake of Profumo di Donna, originally directed by Dino Risi, showcases Al Pacino’s iconic performance as a blind veteran. Pacino’s character evolves into a sympathetic figure, contrasting with the more abrasive original portrayal. His Oscar-winning performance highlights the film’s emotional depth through the tender bond established with his caretaker, played by Chris O’Donnell.
Funny Games
Michael Haneke’s 2007 remake of his own 1997 film Funny Games aims to critique the audience’s fascination with violence in media. This shot-for-shot English-language version captures the original’s tension and moral provocations while tapping into contemporary understandings of genre conventions. Although the narrative remains unaltered, the updated technology adds a modern flair to its chilling impact.
Scarlet Street
Fritz Lang’s Scarlet Street (1945) adapts Jean Renoir’s 1931 La Chienne into a darker narrative that explores manipulation and moral decay. The story centers on a bank clerk ensnared by a deceitful couple, showcasing Lang’s quintessential cinematic style that combines haunting visuals with a gripping narrative. Released during a pivotal time in Lang’s transition to Hollywood, this film stands out as an evocative film noir classic.
