Synopsis :
Andrzej Wajda chose to depict the dread winter of the French Revolution. In September 1793, the committee of Public Safety set up by Robespierre, instigates the Reign of Terror. The spread of famine spurs revolt and heads start to roll. Danton returns to Paris and challenges Robespierre. The clash between the two strong tempered men and their irreconcilable policies is enhanced by Gérard Depardieu and Wojciech Pszoniak's remarkable performances.

César Award for Best Director

Prix Louis Delluc

Synopsis :
On January 30,1889, in Mayerling, Marie Vetsera and Archduke Rudolph, the only son of the Emperor of Austria, are found dead. François-Ferdinand, the Emperor's nephew and now heir to the throne is a committed liberal, which causes frequent rows with his uncle. The heir falls in love with Sophie, a young Czech countess. Although the Emperor is reluctant at first, he finally consents to their marriage if they agree that their children will not succeed him as Emperor. On June 28, 1914, an anarchist assassinates the couple in Sarajevo.

Synopsis :
In Rome during the Antiquity, Fabiola, the daughter of a Senator, falls in love with Rhual, a gladiator. The Senator's assassination sets the stage for the Romans' persecution of the Christians. Rhual, who must arrest and march the Christians to their place of execution, rises up against the oppression of the innocent. He wins Fabiola to his cause. They now share the mortal danger threatening the Christians.

Synopsis :
1891, the writer is at the zenith of his fame. The wittiest man about town, he is sought after by every fashionable circles and coveted by all the women. But disaster looms; he is unable to finish his novel "L'Angelus"; when he is struck down by a mortal disease, he recalls his childhood memories: the beginning of his literary career, and his passion for women.

Synopsis :
Joan is but a child when her sister is raped and murdered before her very eyes during the sack of their village by the English Army. From then on, religion and prayer are her only solace. When she reaches womanhood, Joan believes that God speaks to her, urging her to lead an army that will chase out the invaders and bring peace to the land. Her resolve overcomes the initial disbelief of her friends and family.

Synopsis :
Czar Alexander II meets a schoolgirl called Katia. Realizing that he loves her, he attempts to push her away but to no avail. She becomes his mistress. With Katia's help, Alexander is working on a liberal constitution. However, his proposed reforms antagonize the rich without pacifying the rebels opposing his regime. The Empress dies and the Czar can finally marry Katia. His coronation gift to her will be the proclamation of the new constitution. But on the eve of his coronation, Alexander is assassinated.

Synopsis :
Paris, 1676, Madame de Montespan, the mistress of the Sun King, fears she'll lose his affections to youthful Mademoiselle de Fontanges. Madame de Montespan with help from well-known medium La Voisin poisons her young rival. La Voisin and Mademoiselle Desoeillets, Mme de Montespan lady's maid, are arrested and sentenced to death. Madame de Montespan promises to save the medium's life in exchange for her silence. But La Voisin's gullibility causes her downfall while innocent Mademoiselle Desoeillets is saved in the nick of time.

Synopsis :
In 1917, Antonin, young injured soldier, returns at his home. He met up with Elisa, young widow with whom he falls in love. Elisa tries to convince him not to return to the forehead after her convalescence.

Synopsis :
The tragic fate of the wife of the last Emperor of China. Humiliated by her husband, Wangrong becomes an opium addict and her bodyguard's mistress. She gives birth to a stillborn child, but she is not told of the child's death nor of her lover's execution. When she learns the truth, Wangrong goes mad.

Synopsis :
A night in June 1791, the libertine writer, Restif de la Bretonne, decides to follow a mysterious carriage as it discreetly leaves the Royal Palace. From one way station to the next, the passengers of the stage coach have time to become acquainted as they talk of life, love, politics and the revolution... They soon learn that the royal family is fleeing Paris and heading for Varennes where the passengers witness their arrest. A landmark night in the history of France.