Fanis, a professor of astronomy and astrophysics, recalls his childhood growing up as a Greek boy in Istanbul and the time spent with his shopkeeper grandfather learning about life and, in particular, the art of cooking. And it was here, in his grandfather's store, that he first fell in love, with Saime. After political tensions over Cyprus in 1963 Fanis's family were deported, but his grandfather stayed in Istanbul, and it is decades later that they meet again as Fanis returns 'home', after yea find out more...

A monumental history of the Cuban Revolution; from the initial meeting in Mexico between Che and Fidel Castro, through the landing by boat of a few desperadoes, the years of the guerrilla campaign, the gradual build-up from a rag-tag band to a fully fledged revolutionary army, the political alliances and decisions to be made, and the eventual victorious battles over the demotivated Batista led government army. find out more...

From the window of her New York apartment beautiful bored housewife Diane spots her beast, a mysterious masked man, and is transfixed. This it will turn out is Diane Arbus' epiphany, a portal that will take her on a journey that unleashes not just her soul but her remarkable gift as a photographer. Hirsute ‘Wolf Man' Lionel, part Elephant Man, part seductive gentleman, takes Diane into his world of outsiders and gradually wins her heart before turning into a handsome prince and disappearing in a find out more...

Christy Brown was an Irish cerebal palsy victim who overcame his severe handicap to become a talented painter and author with just the use of his left foot. Daniel Day Lewis is totally and utterly convincing as Brown - using method acting he became Brown and his thoroughness makes the film a great one. find out more...

Revered Brit film director Terence Davies paints a picture of Liverpool life from his childhood days to the modern in this poetic docu-essay memoir. Heavy on poetry and classical music, heavily against the Church and the monarchy, full of newsreel and documentary footage, this is an awesome tribute to a city that he loves. find out more...

A highly acclaimed and influential account of Algeria's turbulent past made in psuedo-documentary style. The tense plot surrounds the rise of nationalist organisations in '54 and the French government's attempts to quell them. This film was the prototype for most political thrillers of the 1970s. find out more...

'The Company' fictionalises some of the key episodes in the CIA's battle with the KGB from the 50s through to the failed 1991 coup against Gorbachev, has a fine cast and is a well made TV drama.. find out more...

1939; Edward Wilson starts a career in intelligence and covert operations as a consequence of his silver spoon background and American military involvement in WW2. 1961; now Wilson ruthlessly organises programmes that involve the deaths of many, seems incapable of having a relationship with a woman that doesn't involve destroying her, his marriage is a career enhancing loveless and hollow affair, he betrays most who know him, including his family, and this sale of his soul - all in the name of p find out more...

A brilliant biopic of Quentin Crisp the self-styled "Stately Queen of England", an effeminate gay, a flamboyant exhibitionist, sparkling wit and a character who gave more pleasure to the world than the world gave to him. Played brilliantly and with pathos by the versatile Hurt. find out more...

Germany, 1954; teenager Michael Berg becomes ill on his way home and is helped by Hanna, a taciturn, but attractive woman twice his age. When recovered Michael returns to her apartment to thank the stranger for her kindness he swiftly finds himself involved in a furtive, impassioned affair. As this relationship intensifies Michael discovers Hanna's love of being read to. When Hanna disappears without a trace the young lad is left confused and bereft. find out more...