Amadeus

Radically deviating from a typical biopic, this fascinating drama about Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is more of an imagined interpretation of history, revolving around the fictionalised rivalry between the ecstatic musical genius and the devout, mediocre Antonio Salieri, an embittered court composer who tries to poison the career of his rival. Fundamentally rebuilding Alexander Pushkin’s 1830 play, Milos Forman transformed it into a myth-like narrative with a fresh palette of dramatic intensity and political resonances. Setting aside the allegory of Mozart’s struggle that tapped into Forman’s own frustrations with Soviet censorship, this sumptuous epic remains a brilliant, humanistic portrait of obsession, jealousy, and guilt, made all the more glorious with this 4K restoration of the eight-Oscar-winning theatrical cut that marks the 40th anniversary of its first release.

Academy Awards: 8 awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Adapted Screenplay