With the 2002 movie release, we all know the story of the Count of Monte Cristo - or so we think. A young man wrongly accused and arrested on the day of his wedding spends 14 years in jail and then returns as the wealthy count, unrecognized and bent on revenge. The novel is much deeper than its many movie adaptations. While elaborate vengeance is indeed its central theme, the book clearly shows...

Alexandre Dumas' historical novel comes to life yet again in this 1998 production starring Leonardo DiCaprio in the dual role of Louis XIV, king of France, and his brother Philippe. When the twins were born, their father the king had decided to get rid of one, fearing that they would fight for the crown; so he secretly sent Philippe away. The boy was raised in seclusion, knowing nothing abo...