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The Name of the Rose (1986): Film vs Book

Film · 1986 · Directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud · Starring Sean Connery, Christian Slater

About the film

A monk investigates a string of murders in a medieval abbey, helped by a young novice.

How close is it to the book?

Loosely based on the book

The film simplifies the book's scholarly puzzles and theological arguments and turns the story into an atmospheric mystery.

Read or watch first?

The novel is a richer mystery and an education in medieval history.

What the book gives you

The Name of the Rose cover

The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco

A rich, atmospheric detective story full of books, secrets and ideas.

Who will like it: Readers who love intellectual medieval mysteries in an abbey.

Watch on AmazonBack to the book