Three Sisters by Anton Chekhov, widely considered to be the masterpiece of 20th Century drama, is brought to life here in a stunning film version created by Laurence Olivier in his first directing role since The Prince & The Showgirl.

The three sisters of the title, Olga, Masha, and Irina Prozorov evade the dull daily grind of their lives in a small provincial garrison town with dreams of love and escape and of moving to Moscow with their respective military suitors. As the play progresses, the hopes of the sisters are gradually eroded.

Arguably the finest cinematic version of a Chekhov play, this is a beautiful study of human nature, aspirations and interactions. It is also a moving and bittersweet look at humanities flaws, the elusiveness of fulfilment of hopes and desires, and the transitory nature of affairs and exchanges.

The stellar cast includes Olivier himself, Alan Bates (Women In Love, Butley), Derek Jacoby (I Claudius) and Joan Plowright (Tea With Mussolini). This is a rich and brilliantly observed version of an undisputed masterpiece. Utterly essential.