Yeah, I thought I’d remember it if that’s how Arren was introduced in book 3. It’s a ridiculous idea, taking just the characters and throwing everything else away entirely. Why on earth not just write something completely new if that’s the sort of film they want to make, or stick to an arranged version of the plot if they saw something they liked in the books enough to want to pick it up for adaptation. Not at all surprised at Le Guin’s reaction.

Other than using the characters, the rest is a total fabrication. Which as i said is a shame, since it’s an awesome series.

The only thing that was even close to being true is Theru, and they even changed a bit. Urula La Quin actually wanted a miniseries made of the books, then got well and truely shafted when the company making it broke their contract and made the series without her input, and changed things because they didn’t want to deal with the issues of racism the books raise. She swore after that never to do, or allow another mini series or movie based on the series.

Umm, wait; it’s been a while, but I don’t think I remember that ever happening in the books.

This is why I can rarely bring myself to watch films based off books, even when the changes aren’t quite so flagrant.

That said, once i got past my disgust i really got into and enjoyed it a lot. Though as you say it dosen’t really have a lot going for it, except for one thing. It has a totaly awesome sound track, the music is just mind blowing and i really got into it.

I think it would of been better though if they’d made a proper anime of the books, rather than just using the characters.