The Color of Pomegranates

Eighteenth-century Armenian poet Sayat Nova parlayed his influence as a performer in Heraclius II's court to foster peace between Russia and its neighbors. This biopic follows his life from humble carpet weaver to archbishop to national treasure. Director Sergei Parajanov and star Sofiko Chiaureli used the poems of Nova -- known as the King of Songs -- as inspiration for this lyrical film, banned in the Soviet Union for its nationalist themes.