Emperor Asoka was ruler of Magadha in the 3rd century BC and after waging a savage war on the neighbouring kingdom of Kalinga he finally witnesses the consequences of his actions, a dreadful reality that causes him to renounce his war like ways and dedicate himself to spreading the teachings of Buddha. Asoka is by no means historically accurate but it is a lush and fascinating epic. find out more...

A caustic and often funny romp set 24 BC during the reign of Augustus Caesar, Rome's first emperor, and ending in AD 54 with Nero on the throne. Claudius (Jacobi) is Tiberius Claudius Nero Germanicus, grandson of Mark Antony, who bears witness to the ruthless ambition, shocking debauchery and murderous intrigue of his remarkable family. For the most part he escapes their evil scheming by virtue of a stutter and limp that mark him as a fool. A remarkable, ground-breaking series, with towering per find out more...

Great doco about the early days of NY hip hop and life on the projects. One of the best features of this film is that it examines the political trajectory of Nas' career through his lyrics as well as the environment and familial situation that gave rise to his stardom. Must see for fans of his music. And anyone interested in the political side of rap music.

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In 1998 Marco Pantani, the most flamboyant and popular cyclist of his era, won both the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia, a titanic feat of physical and mental endurance that no rider has repeated since. He was a hero to millions, the saviour of professional cycling following the doping scandals which threatened to destroy the sport. However, less than six years later, aged just 34, he died alone, in a cheap Italian hotel room.

This film is not just about cycling but an emotional expl find out more...

A beautifully made, but somewhat ponderous, account of the first Chinese emperor, as the Qin province militarily defeats the last remaining six rival provinces to unite China for the first time. The story revolves round the king's love for his empress and her eventual betrayal of him by falling for the assassin she has sought as a stool pigeon for an attempt on his life. Lots of epic compositions and stagey mannerisms. find out more...