Let me start by saying the books are AMAZING and the movie does a great job of portraying the basic story line (but as with every book made into a movie, there are quite a few things left out). People that have not read the books will understand the plot and will be able to follow the movie, but I would still urge them to read the books in order to fully understand both the characters and motivations for their actions. The actors and actresses did a great job of fulfilling their roles. I am obsessed with this series, which may have given me a bias to like this movie, but I know if I had not read the books I would still have enjoyed the tale of forbidden lovers Bella and Edward.