I've read the original book twice--a big fan of du Maurier--and much as I liked the book, the movie is at least as good. Instead of "based on", it would be more accurate to say "inspired by" the book. It's like being an American in England for the first time ... lots of things seem familiar and then suddenly it's all quite alien.
So with the book and the movie. I immediately thought of the book and, struggled to make it fit, and failed. Finally I gave myself up to the new story and was enchanted. The movie in the end has to be taken on its own terms, and if so, makes a lovely experience ... well cast, gentle and loving, and utterly unforced. It has a happier ending than the book, yet it fits perfectly.
So with the book and the movie. I immediately thought of the book and, struggled to make it fit, and failed. Finally I gave myself up to the new story and was enchanted. The movie in the end has to be taken on its own terms, and if so, makes a lovely experience ... well cast, gentle and loving, and utterly unforced. It has a happier ending than the book, yet it fits perfectly.