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Based on Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusas's novel, The Leopard, Italy's War and Peace, the series details the revolution led by Giuseppe Garibaldi, beginning in 1860, which led, eventually, to the unification of Italy. It betters Visconti's 1963 film adaptation in many ways, not least in using genuine Italian actors instead of glamorous Hollywood stars like Burt Lancaster and Alain Delon-who were dubbed and Claudia Cardinale who had no need to be. The sets are fabulous because they're actual "pallazzi", Sicilian palaces, packed with the art of the times. There's romance, intrigue, politics and religion, what more could you ask for.

Number 24 is about the resistance movement in Nazi occupied Norway. The title refers to the young leader of the movement, Gunnar Sensteby, the most decorated person in Norway's history. Now, probably in his 70's, he's relating his story to some Norwegian College students. As he interacts with the students, we watch the intricate operations he carried out play out. The film goes back and forth between the older Gunnar (Erik Hivju) and the younger (Sjur Vatne Brean ). Both are excellent but expect to see Hivju come awards season. Both segments are done with intelligence, style and honesty. History is always far more interesting and dramatic when it's told warts and all.

I bet i've seen practically every film about the murderous Nazi oppression. This one ranks up there with the best of them. It's not just about the Nazi's. It's about the price of freedom. Just excellent.