Jerzy Hoffman

The historical background is the 17th century. Poland was the largest, the most democratic, and the most tolerant country in Europe. However, the tragic civil war brought about the gradual decline of the once glorious republic.

Set in the year 1668, the Turks are invading Poland. Colonel Wolodyjowski, the leader of the Polish troops, forms an alliance with a group of Polish Tartars and mount a final defense against the massive army of the Turkish Sultan.

"This balanced and highly informative four-part- documentary series provides an unprecedented look at the cultural and political history of Ukraine. Interviews with historians combined with unique archival footage paints a raw and immediate portrait of a nation dramatically fighting for and maintaining its independence." Disc 4: In the decades following the Yalta Conference and Soviet occupation, Ukraine succeeded in establishing itself on the international...

The forbidden love affair between a wealthy young nobleman and a beautiful young high school teacher is the central focus. With the teacher not of the same class, she will never be accepted into high society, she will always be rejected, considered a leper. The townsfolk, including the nobleman's grandmother, try to destroy the feelings between these two lovers who are from two very different social classes.