If the movie was faithful to the book..........

Without having read Spencer's novel-for which I have read the most intriguing things and I look forward to buy as soon as possible-I keep thinking how different the film result would be if Zeffirelli-who gave us 'Champ',a modern time melodrama-had followed it closely.
Some characters-especially Jade's brother who turns into David's most bloody enemy,although he was his initial contact with Jade-would not appear so hard to believe.
The same goes for the kids'families who have very complex structures.
By the time of original release,I presumed the movie to be a typical 'romantic teens vs cynical adults'construction,which was not the case at all.