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...

Did Rembrandt's famous painting 'The Night Watch' contain cleverly concealed attacks on Amsterdam bigwigs, the seamy side of the Golden Age and, in particular, a political murder? The bigwigs may have thought so for after it the career of the great painter was destroyed. 'Nightwatching' is a clever blend of drama and art history investigation suited for more than just art history buffs, so put away your De Vinci Code B action rubbish and check this classy stuff out. Greenaway's best movie for find out more...

Supposedly a biography of Michelangelo, it is much more that of Pope Julius II, who, when not on the battlefield uniting Italy, nags Michelangelo, in an engaging and witty script, to speed up his painful work painting the Sistine Chapel, and wonders when he will finsh. The transformation of the chapel ceiling, which was originally dotted with stars, to an opulent statement of high renaissance is engrossing. find out more...