Imperiale

The selfish mistress of a soldier, Zoe, betrays her lover and marries the emperor of Byzantium. She then convinces her husband to banish her lover (and his devoted general) to the isolated castle of Monemvasia . When astrologers predict the end of the world and even specify the exact date, the now empress Zoe, instead of holding her position and supporting her husband, prefers to spend the last days of her life with her former lover.

Directed by Giorgos Skalenakis, Imperiale leans on a strong ensemble — Betty Arvaniti, Kostas Karras, Venia Palliri — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1968.