Ridley Scott directed epic that gives the definitive version of the Columbus story. The lush scenery, superb casting and top-notch direction don't quite make up for it being overlong, but on the whole Scott (and Depardieu) have painted a wonderful and absorbing picture. Well worth a watch! find out more...

Tarkovsky's mysterious masterpiece that charts the life and times of an obscure 15th Century Russian icon painter. Rublev's character is recreated, through 8 separate chapters, as a symbol of Russian suffering at the hands of Tartar invaders. Beautifully told, a fantastic and brilliantly directed tale. find out more...

Sir John Falstaff is the hero in this compilation of extracts from Shakespeare's 'Henry IV' and other plays, combined into a story of Falstaff's career as young Prince Hal's drinking companion. The massive knight roisters with and without the prince, philosophises comically, goes to war (in his own fashion), before settling into life in medieval Englande. find out more...

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Superb adaptation of one of the most difficult plays to stage. Jacobi's performance as the tortured prince is truly outstanding. find out more...

This remains one of the greatest screen versions of the tortured play, though it does look rather over-played by modern standards. The late Olivier gives one of his greatest performances - indeed this is the performance that first ranked him amongst the very greatest of actors. Won Best Picture at 1948 Academy Awards. find out more...

A disturbing Danish film, reanacting witchcraft trials from the 15th and 16th on till the early 20th Century. Mixing scenes of reanactment, animation and illustrated slideshows to depict events of alleged real-life events and possessions, we are shown images of extreme cruelty which smack of the experimental edges of medical research. This must have been tantamount to the work of the devil when it first came out. Sick-minds they had back in 1922! The DVD has a choice of soundtracks, the best of find out more...

This powerful production of the Bard's epic focuses on historical pageantry, family conflict and bawdy living, as fun loving Prince Hal struggles to make the transition from heir apparent to responsible prince, though Anthony Quayle's Falstaff steals the show. Another fine BBC production. find out more...

Often considered to be one of Shakespeare's finest ever plays, it picks up where Henry IV, Part 1 left off. Yet another first class BBC production. find out more...

This is the Shakespearean opus containing many a familiar line, "Once more into the breach dear friends..." amongst them, and spoken by an absolutely outstanding cast. A must to watch, even if it's not on your school syllabus! find out more...