Fall 2001 Schedule All films shown on Wednesday evenings

HISTORY AND FILM
Fall 2001

All films shown on Wednesday evenings, 7:00 PM, in Boreham 120.

September 26
The Emperor and the Assassin
(directed by Kaige Chen, 1999)

Set in 221 BCE, The Emperor and the Assassin tells the true story of Ying Zheng, the man who ambitiously and ruthlessly unified the seven kingdoms of China to become the First Emperor. Zheng’s quest for power is matched only by that of his beautiful concubine, Lady Zhao (played by Gong Li), who plots, spies, and consorts with assassins. Awards: Cannes Film Festival (Technical Grand Prize for Production Design; nominated for the Palme d’Or); Los Angeles International Film Festival (nominated for Grand Jury Prize). In Chinese (Mandarin) with English subtitles.

October 17
Gladiator
(directed by Ridley Scott, 2000)

The action-filled epic that dominated last year’s Oscar ceremonies, Gladiator explores one man’s individual heroism pitted against the brutality of the Roman Empire. Russell Crowe stars as Maximus, the general forced to turn slave-gladiator; Joachin Phoenix is the evil Emperor Commodus. Incredible fight scenes and computer-generated recreations of ancient Rome make this historical epic a crowd-pleaser. Awards: multiple Academy Awards (including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Costume Design); British Academy Awards (Best Film, Cinematography, Editing); Golden Globe (Best Motion Picture-Drama).

November 7
The Message
(directed by Moustapha Akkad, 1976)

The story of Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, The Message depicts the beginnings of Islam, from the struggles of the first Muslims to Muhammad’s triumphant return to Mecca. Epic battles alternate with moments of religious discovery to create an entertaining, yet devout and respectful, account of the birth of one of the world’s great religions. Starring Anthony Quinn and Irene Pappas. Awards: Academy Award nomination (Best Music, Original Score).

November 28
The Name of the Rose
(directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, 1986)

Sean Connery stars as William of Baskerville, a Franciscan monk who is called to investigate a series of mysterious deaths in a 14^th-century abbey. An intriguing mix of ideas and action, the film provides a fascinating evocation of medieval Europe. Based on the critically acclaimed novel by Umberto Eco. Also stars Christian Slater and F. Murray Abraham. Awards: British Academy Award (Best Actor); César Award (Best Foreign Film); German Film Award (Best Actor; Production Design).

September 26	*The Emperor and the Assassin* (directed by Kaige Chen, 1999)
	Set in 221 BCE, The Emperor and the Assassin tells the true story of Ying Zheng, the man who ambitiously and ruthlessly unified the seven kingdoms of China to become the First Emperor. Zheng’s quest for power is matched only by that of his beautiful concubine, Lady Zhao (played by Gong Li), who plots, spies, and consorts with assassins. Awards: Cannes Film Festival (Technical Grand Prize for Production Design; nominated for the Palme d’Or); Los Angeles International Film Festival (nominated for Grand Jury Prize). In Chinese (Mandarin) with English subtitles.

October 17	*Gladiator* (directed by Ridley Scott, 2000)
	The action-filled epic that dominated last year’s Oscar ceremonies, Gladiator explores one man’s individual heroism pitted against the brutality of the Roman Empire. Russell Crowe stars as Maximus, the general forced to turn slave-gladiator; Joachin Phoenix is the evil Emperor Commodus. Incredible fight scenes and computer-generated recreations of ancient Rome make this historical epic a crowd-pleaser. Awards: multiple Academy Awards (including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Costume Design); British Academy Awards (Best Film, Cinematography, Editing); Golden Globe (Best Motion Picture-Drama).

November 7	*The Message* (directed by Moustapha Akkad, 1976)
	The story of Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, The Message depicts the beginnings of Islam, from the struggles of the first Muslims to Muhammad’s triumphant return to Mecca. Epic battles alternate with moments of religious discovery to create an entertaining, yet devout and respectful, account of the birth of one of the world’s great religions. Starring Anthony Quinn and Irene Pappas. Awards: Academy Award nomination (Best Music, Original Score).

November 28	*The Name of the Rose* (directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, 1986)
	Sean Connery stars as William of Baskerville, a Franciscan monk who is called to investigate a series of mysterious deaths in a 14^th-century abbey. An intriguing mix of ideas and action, the film provides a fascinating evocation of medieval Europe. Based on the critically acclaimed novel by Umberto Eco. Also stars Christian Slater and F. Murray Abraham. Awards: British Academy Award (Best Actor); César Award (Best Foreign Film); German Film Award (Best Actor; Production Design).