good film but doesn't follow the book enough

Rating: 7/10 (10 June 2013)

I love the books, I think they're brilliant but I don't think the first film adapted to the book as much as it should have. Don't get me wrong the film is good but they missed some vital stuff from the book, for example; the pin wasn't given to her by the old women (greasy sae) but by Madge, in the second book this scene plays a quite vital part.
Also the trilogy plays on the budding romance between the two main characters but I don't think they showed that in the film enough. The flashback of their first meeting (the bread being thrown) I thought was brilliant, the way they did it was just what I had in mind while reading it. The other scenes though between them I though weren't strong enough, the romance started the day the bread was thrown well from his side of it anyway, they didn't add the dandelion part in which showed that she was hopeful and peaceful at the time. This may sound strange to those who haven't read the books but that dandelion should have played a major role.
Also, the cave scene I thought could have been better, there wasn't enough romance between them. I know the film isn't supposed to be a romance but it plays a seriously strong role in all the books, its what shaped the second and third book. The scene in the cave was mostly about them coming clean about their feelings for each other, the kiss was outstanding, it was brilliantly staged in the situation of the scene.
Overall I think the film is definitely worth watching but the books are a serious must have especially if you plan on watching the next two films, it will help a lot.